Family Home Program

Description:

ABOUT THE FAMILY HOME PROGRAM

The Family Home Program is a flexible service that matches individuals with intellectual disabilities with people who can provide a caring, stable home environment.

The supports offered are tailored to each situation and take into consideration the unique qualities and needs of everyone involved. For individuals who require the support of others to cope with ordinary challenges, Family Home arrangements are often preferred as an alternative to group living or other types of support arrangements.

Family Home arrangements can be full-time, part-time or respite in nature, depending on the wishes of all parties.

Most often the Family Home Provider invites the person with a disability to share their living space, however, other scenarios can be arranged.

Community Living Kingston believes that people enjoy an excellent quality of life when they share daily living and experience the close relationships in a family home.

WHO ARE FAMILY HOME PROVIDERS?

Family Home Providers are volunteers who have chosen to open their homes and their lives to an individual with an intellectual disability. These volunteers�.

• Are individuals, couples or families of all types and compositions
• Have diverse experiences, backgrounds and lifestyles
• Can provide a consistent, nurturing home life
• Are willing and capable of assisting another person in the areas of daily living

Providers are recruited through a variety of formal and informal methods. Advertising, word of mouth, and natural connections to a particular person with an intellectual disability help link these potential volunteers to the Family Home Program.

Once potential Providers are determined to be suitable candidates for the Program, further involvement becomes dependent upon finding an appropriate match with an individual who wants this type of support.

REIMBURSEMENT

Family Home Providers are reimbursed for the expenses related to having another individual share their home.

WHY DO INDIVIDUALS CHOOSE FAMILY HOME?

There are a number of reasons that individuals with intellectual disabilities and their families select the Family Home Program as the most appropriate service for their particular needs:

• Some families are no longer able to care for their loved one but still desire a home like environment for them
• Some individuals may never have had the opportunity to share their home life with a family
• Some individuals use it as a stepping stone to a more independent (future) living situation
• Some individuals leaving the Child Welfare System wish to continue living in a family like environment
• Some families need a brief regular, or temporary, break to attend to their own needs and the needs of others in their household

SCREENING POTENTIAL PROVIDERS

All potential Family Home Providers undergo an extensive screening process before an individual is placed in their care. This involves interviews with staff, natural families and the individual seeking a Family Home situation. In addition, background screening, reference checks and a health and safety inspection of their home is required.

THE MATCHING PROCESS

When Providers are considered a potential match for an individual, the process of exchanging information begins. Full disclosure is essential to the success of any match. Visits of increasing duration and frequency occur over the course of several months to allow ample time and opportunity to determine if the situation is right for everyone.

Family Home staff review and assess each trial visit with all parties involved, in addition to ensuring that all questions/concerns are addressed. In consultation with the client and their family, they are responsible for determining whether the match should proceed and then guiding the process along at a pace that is comfortable for everyone.

ONGOING SUPPORT AND MONITORING

Once a Family Home Arrangement is in place, flexible supports are arranged to ensure the ongoing success and development of a lasting relationship. Family Home Program staff act as a liaison between all parties to ensure that everything runs as smoothly as possible. In full-time arrangements, a Community Support Worker is assigned to assist with planning appointments, finances and other areas of support specific to each particular situation.

Everyone�s satisfaction with an arrangement is regularly assessed, both formally and informally. Program staff will intervene and ensure that any needed adjustments are made to enable the best possible outcomes for all parties.

For inquiries about becoming a full-time or part-time respite provider, contact Eleonor Egidio @ 546-6613 ext. 284.

Interested in learning more about the Family Home Program, contact Sheri Scott @ 546-6613 ext. 223.

For information about Respite options, contact Sandra Bonucchi-Bilow @ 546-6613 ext. 232.

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