A supports classification and assessment system is required in residential settings that enables accurate classification and resource allocation in the context of limited resources. In developing such a system, the American Association on Mental Retardation intensities of supports framework was used and consultation with all stakeholders resulted in a process and instrument that examined support needs in a community living environment across key domains. In all, 116 clients who had an intellectual disability were assessed and classified during 1999. The instrument was favourably received by all stakeholders and validity and reliability results were sound. A multidimensional scoring model and multiple regression analyses were used to evaluate how well the five domain scales and the risk profile predicted current support, measured by current staff hours per 24-hour period. Results are reported along with recommendations for future research and development. (Contains 13 tables.)