Augmented Board and Care

Augmented Board and Care (ABC) is a licensed residential board and care program designed for adults who need ongoing care and supervision due to serious mental health conditions or cognitive impairments. 

Augmented Board and Care (ABC) homes have extensive experience supporting individuals with chronic mental illness and provide structured, in-home programming in a safe, home-like environment. The goal of the program is to help individuals remain in the community while reducing the risk of psychiatric hospitalization or incarceration. 

Program Purpose 

The Augmented Board and Care program is designed to: 

  • Support individuals who cannot safely perform activities of daily living independently 
  • Provide additional structure and supervision beyond traditional board and care 
  • Prevent unnecessary escalation to higher levels of care 
  • Supports transition from high levels of care, like locked settings, back into the community  
  • Promote recovery while maintaining community-based living 

Augmented Board and Care (ABC) helps individuals receive the support they need at home rather than in more restrictive institutional settings whenever possible. 

  

Who This Program Serves 

Augmented Board and Care (ABC) serves adults who may:

  • Have serious or chronic mental health conditions 
  • Experience cognitive or age-related impairments 
  • Require medication oversight or additional daily support 
  • Need more structure than standard residential settings provide 

Many individuals in Augmented Board and Care (ABC) are older adults or people whose needs are too complex for traditional board and care environments. 

Referral Information 

To submit a referral or request more information call in using the contact below.

Phone Main Line: (916) 875-9553

Digital fax to send referrals: DHS-Fax-MH-IPT@saccounty.gov

Submit A Referral

  

How the Program Works 

Individuals placed in an Augmented Board and Care (ABC) home also receive services through a Full Service Partnership (FSP). Psychiatric care and treatment are delivered in coordination with outpatient FSP providers to support each client’s recovery journey. 

The Augmented Board and Care (ABC) Team oversees coordination between: 

  • The Augmented Board and Care (ABC) residential provider 
  • The client’s FSP team 
  • Conservators (when applicable) 
  • Family members and natural supports 

This coordinated approach continues until the individual is ready to transition to a less intensive level of care. 

Eligibility Requirements

Final eligibility is determined through a clinical review process. 

To be considered for Augmented Board and Care (ABC), individuals must: 

  • Be 18 years of age or older 
  • Be enrolled in, or eligible for, a Full Service Partnership (FSP) 
  • Have active Medi-Cal coverage 
  • Have a complicating factor that requires additional support 

Examples of complicating factors include: 

  • Medication management challenges 
  • Difficulty engaging with mental health providers 
  • Substance use challenges 
  • Need for increased supervision in the home 

How to Access the Program 

Augmented Board and Care (ABC) placements are referral-only and are coordinated through the Intensive Placement Team (IPT). 

Referrals may come from: 

  • Hospitals 
  • Full Service Partnership (FSP) programs 
  • The Public Guardian’s Office 

The IPT team reviews referrals to determine appropriateness, level of care, and placement options. 

Important Things to Know 

  • Augmented Board and Care (ABC) is not an immediate placement program 
  • Acceptance into the program does not guarantee same-day or immediate placement 
  • Timelines vary based on clinical needs and availability 
  • Ongoing coordination continues until the individual can step down to a lower level of care 

Clear communication with families and providers is essential throughout the referral and placement process. 

Interested in Becoming an Augmented Board and Care (ABC) Provider? 

Organizations interested in becoming an Augmented Board and Care provider can visit Sacramento County’s bidder page.