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If you're applying for California's In-Home Supportive Services (IHSS) for a child or adult with disabilities, you may have come across the term Protective Supervision. But how is it different from standard IHSS services? Understanding the distinction is key to getting the right level of support for your family.
IHSS provides support to help people with disabilities or chronic conditions live safely at home. For children and adults, regular IHSS services may include:
The number of hours approved depends on the individual’s ability to complete these tasks on their own.
Protective Supervision is an additional IHSS service for individuals with severe mental impairments who need constant supervision to stay safe.
It’s not about helping with physical tasks—it’s about providing non-medical observation to prevent injury due to unsafe behaviors such as:
Protective Supervision can provide up to 24 hours of paid care per day if eligibility requirements are met.
| Category | Regular IHSS | Protective Supervision |
|---|---|---|
| Purpose | Assist with daily tasks | Prevent injury due to unsafe behavior |
| Based On | Physical and/or cognitive limitations | Mental impairment and safety risk |
| Type of Help | Hands-on personal care | Non-medical supervision |
| Hours | Limited to approved tasks | Up to 24 hours/day |
| Requires Diagnosis? | Sometimes | Yes—must be a mental/psychiatric condition |
| Common Conditions | Physical disabilities, age-related needs | Autism, epilepsy, intellectual disability, psychiatric disorders |
To be approved, you must show that:
You’ll need detailed documentation, including the SOC 821 form, a doctor’s statement, and specific examples of unsafe behaviors or incidents.
Regular IHSS helps with basic care needs. Protective Supervision goes a step further, offering intensive support for those at high risk of injury due to mental impairments. If your child needs constant watchfulness for safety, Protective Supervision may be essential.
Understanding the difference can help you build a stronger IHSS application—and ensure your family gets the full support it needs.
Need help? In California, the In-Home Supportive Services (IHSS) program provides crucial financial help for families raising children with special needs. American Advocacy Group is on the front lines every day, making positive change happen for people diagnosed with autism, Down syndrome, and a range of diagnoses across the continuum. As a leading advocate for all people with intellectual and developmental disabilities and their families, and the premier provider of the support and services people want and need, we understand the system and know how to take action regarding your best interests.
CONTACT US FOR HELP. Dial (877) 762-0702 or email us at [email protected].
