RHC began Supported Arrangements for Integrated Living (SAIL) services, a foster family program, in 1988. The program was created in response to the need for both planned respite and emergency placement of people with developmental disabilities. Now knows as Host Family Services (HFS), this unique program is unlike other foster care programs as it provides services for both children and adults with developmental disabilities. Host Family Services will receive referrals from Ohio Department of Job and Family Services (ODJFS) as well as Advocacy & Protective Services, Inc. (APSI) when a primary caregiver may become unable to care for the individual, or when there is a need for a respite from the daily demands of providing care to a loved one. Often transitions to a new and unfamiliar environment may be difficult for these individuals. The opportunity to move into a family setting rather than a larger group home is more successful and allows the person to receive the patience and supports they need.
In order to offer Host Family Services, RHC must find prospective families who have the desire to become hosts and provide daily care to a person or persons with developmental disabilities. RHC currently contracts with 40 providers who are certified and trained to open their homes to those seeing respite or emergency placement. These certified providers are required to pass a criminal background check and drug test, and attend a 40 hour intensive training program through RHC which includes: medication administration, positive behavior support, and health and safety. These annual mandatory trainings along with constant supervision by RHC case management staff ensures that each individual is receiving quality supports in a safe and healthy environment.
Eligibility
When individuals choose long term support from RHC they defer their Social Security payments (or other income) to RHC. Providers are compensated by RHC for room, board, and certain supplies with a contracted “cost-to-live” sum.· All other expenses are paid by the provider or RHC, with the provider receiving a per diem from RHC. RHC receives payment for services from Medicaid waivers and contract payments from County DD Boards, County JFS Boards and Hamilton Choices.
The Host Family homes are operated under Ohio Department of Developmental Disabilities administrative rule guidelines for adults living in foster care plus certain license rules adopted by RHC.
Quality is monitored by RHC, the Hamilton County Developmental Disabilities Services (HCDDS), Butler County Developmental Disabilities Services (BCDDS), Ohio Department of Developmental Disabilities (ODODD), Hamilton County Department of Job and Family Services (HCDJFS), and/or Hamilton Choices.
PLANNED RESPITE
Families can arrange with RHC staff for planned respite for individuals at foster/host family homes. This type of single time or regular service is needed for many reasons including a caregiver's impending surgery and recovery, or simply because a full-time caregiver is in need of a regular break from their daily responsibilities of support.·
EMERGENCY RESPITE
Emergency respite is available when an individual needs a home and support in any emergency situation (for example, a family member’s/caregiver's death or illness).·· Often, those individuals receiving emergency respite services in a foster/host family’s home request a long-term support arrangement with this emergency service provider or in another RHC community living arrangement.
All families and individuals who are seeking additional information about RHC·Foster Care·services may contact·our Program Director, MaryClare Donaldson at 513.619.2961 or at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .
Community Living Services
