History
The FamilyHome Program was introduced as a new support program in 1984. It operates under the Developmental Services Act, which is an act concerning the provision of services to persons with developmental disabilities. It was designed to expand the range of residential options available to the community and to allow individual needs to be addressed in a more flexible or personal manner. Family Homes are not formally licensed, however, they must meet the FamilyHome Guidelines (January, 2004) adopted by the Ministry for consistency, accountability, and for the ultimate goal of ensuring that the needs of individuals are being met.
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Mission & Vision
The mission of the FamilyHome program is to support people with developmental disabilities by partnering them with families in the community. In doing so, individuals with disabilities are provided the opportunity to live and grow in a nurturing family environment. We believe in a community that respects the dignity and inherent value of each of its members and supports its members to participate, contribute, and lead enriched and meaningful lives.
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The People We Support
The FamilyHome Program provides services and support to individuals with developmental disabilities. Each individual is as unique as the family they are partnered with. Some individuals may be independent and require minimal support, while others may have more significant challenges and require continuous support and supervision. In addition to a developmental disability, some individuals may have a physical handicap or mental health need. All adult individuals are in receipt of Ontario Disability Support Program (ODSP) benefits.
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Description
The FamilyHome Program is about people in the community sharing their lives and homes with an individual who has a developmental disability. One, or possibly two individuals with developmental disabilities, lives with families who provide a supportive and caring environment. Families providing support are granted the privilege of making a positive difference in the life of another person and of developing a long-term relationship with someone they might not otherwise have met. The feelings of shared accomplishment and joy that come from supporting another person to meet their life goals far outweigh the challenges.
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Families Providing Support
Families providing support come in all different shapes and sizes. They can be single people, couples, or families with a variety of lifestyles. Becoming involved in the FamilyHome program requires the commitment of building a long-term relationship and providing a stable home environment that can accommodate an additional person. Families providing support need to have ample time to provide the necessary support and have the ability to recognize and nurture individual strengths.
Educational qualifications in a relevant discipline and/or previous experience working with people with disabilities are assets but not always necessities.
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Responsibilities of Families Providing Support
Being a family who provides support to somebody with a developmental disability is a lifestyle commitment. It means sharing a home and being a part of an individual’s life. It also means helping an individual to achieve their personal goals and to be a valued member in their home and community. Families providing support encourage individuals to be active in their community, help develop their skills, interests, and competencies, and develop and promote relationships. Individuals participate in the life and activities of the family with the individual receiving attention in a family atmosphere.
The types of responsibilities families may assume are: providing meals and laundry, assisting with finances, attending health care and other appointments, as well as involvement in work, recreation and social activities.
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Training & Support
Families providing support receive ongoing training, support, remuneration (in the form of a per diem payment and transportation allowance), as well as respite care for the individual receiving support. This respite care allows families to have some time off throughout the year.
Families providing support are required to attend training events as specified by the agency they are working for.
Agencies work closely with families to address individual needs, solve problems, and support the relationship between the family and individual. A worker is assigned to each individual and family. This worker is responsible for the supervision and co-ordination of the arrangement and will keep in regular contact. The worker will also visit regularly with the individual receiving support outside of the home.
Natural Families
Some supported individuals visit with or contact their families on a regular or occasional basis. Others may not have any involvement with their natural families.
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Day Programming
Most individuals in the FamilyHome Program attend a sheltered workshop or day program during the week. Some individuals may also work or attend volunteer placements. Others may have an individualized day program in the community with a one-to-one worker. Day-time activities vary, but individuals are usually busy for up to 7-8 hours per day, Monday to Friday.
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