What is an Alternate Living Arrangement?
An Alternate
Living Arrangement is a service to individuals who are unable to
live at home and cannot live independently without special
support.
What types of Alternate Living Arrangements are available?
The most common
types are family care homes, extended family homes, group homes,
and intermediate care or skilled nursing facilities.
"Supported living arrangements" are becoming more
common. This is where clients own or rent their own homes even
though they may need significant support.
What are the costs for parents?
It depends on the
age of the client. If the individual is under the age of 18,
parents are required by law to contribute toward a share of the
cost based on their income.
Supplemental
Security Income(SSI/SSP) and NBRC pay for Alternate Living
Arrangements. SSI is a state and federally sponsored financial
assistance program for disabled persons. Those costs not paid by
SSI, or other public assistance sources, are paid by NBRC.
Can a client and his or her family see these Alternate Living Arrangements?
Yes. The Program
Coordinator will arrange for the client and family to visit each
recommended home.
Do parents give up rights and responsibilities when they agree to an Alternate Living Arrangement?
No. An Alternate
Living Arrangement is an extension of their care.
What about visiting?
NBRC and
residential service providers encourage family involvement.
Specific arrangements regarding visiting are made directly with
the provider. If necessary, the Program Coordinator will also
assist the family.
Will the client always remain in the same home?
Not necessarily.
Sometimes it may be beneficial for the individual to live in
another home to meet a goal or the parents may decide that they
want their child at home again.
What is the experience and training of residential service providers?
Most providers
have worked with individuals with developmental disabilities.
They participate in provider training programs and participate in
regular consultations with NBRC staff.
Are these Alternate Living Arrangements licensed?
All residences
"operated" by someone other than a family member are
licensed and monitored by the State of California. Homes owned or
rented directly by clients are not licensed. "Board and
room" residences are not licensed. Foster Family Agencies
(FFAs) are licensed, and the homes under their umbrella are
certified.
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