Home Sharing

Home Sharing describes a type of living arrangement for people with a developmental disability. Community members who have the desire and ability to share their home and provide the necessary support to an adult with a developmental disability are contracted to provide the support in their own private home. 

DCLS Home Sharing provides an opportunity for the people we serve to live as a valued member of a natural family, while still receiving the same high-quality support as in our Staffed Residences. The philosophy behind Home Sharing is that people are happiest when they feel that they are a valued and integral member of a family unit.

When a person served and their Personal Network of friends, family and peers make the decision that a permanent placement in a family home is their preferred residential option, DCLS will begin to search for the right match.

Home Sharing families provide full-time residential services under contract with DCLS. All Home Sharing Providers undergo a rigorous screening process, including a Criminal Record Check and a detailed home study, with questions about lifestyle, community mindedness, conflict management, personal support systems and family dynamics.

DCLS only selects providers whose lifestyles, interests and personalities match well with those being placed in their home and who share the mission, vision and values of the organization.

Each Home Sharing Provider is matched with the specific needs, interests and preferred lifestyle of the person served. There are many factors involved in selecting an appropriate placement for an individual. These factors include, but are not limited to:

• Family consultation
• Location and layout of the home
• Availability
• Experience of the Home Sharing Provider
• Family dynamics
• Hobbies
• Gifts, talents and interests

Upon identification of an appropriate match, the person served and their Personal Network are given an opportunity to meet with the family, gather information, inspect the home and its location and to access any other information they need to make an informed decision.

Once a Home Sharing placement has been selected, a formal process of transition is initiated that includes trial visits to the new home. Members of that individual’s Personal Network are encouraged to stay connected with the Home Sharing Provider following every successful transition.