A program created to help mentally retarded adults move from a state facility to an independent living situation in Jackson, Mississippi, is described. The three stages of the program are outlined as follows: (1) new clients are housed in a cluster unit of apartments close to staff housing, during which time they are assessed according to the "Community Living Skills Analysis" checklist; (2) pairs of clients who have mastered most of the necessary living skills are transferred to separate apartments and, with some supervision and training, live independently; (3) clients with proven ability to solve everyday problems remain in their apartments but are terminated from the program. For each stage of the transition, criteria, training goals, and expectations are outlined. Follow-up and emergency services provided by the sponsoring hospital to clients who have achieved independent status are described. (LP)