Department of Opportunities and Social Development Community Based Option Program Approval

Department of Community Services

Community Based Homes Program Approval
Who Needs this Approval?
  Anyone who wants to operate homes accommodating 3 or fewer persons who are publicly supported providing accommodations to adults or children placed by the Department.

Note:  The program has two sections, one for adults and one for children.  Both programs are under the jurisdiction of the Family and Commnuinty Supports Division, Services for Persons with Disabilities Section.

Note: There is currently a residential review underway and approval of any new community homes is dependent on the results of the review.
 
Issuing Department/Agency
  N.S. Department of Community Services
 
Where can you get this Approval and / or further information?
  Website:  http://novascotia.ca/coms/
E-mail enquiries: webcoms@gov.ns.ca
 
  Homes for Adults:
Family and Community Supports Division
Services for Persons with Disabilities Section
N.S. Department of Community Services
Nelson Place
5675 Spring Garden Road
Halifax, NS B3J 1H1 		Homes for Children:
Family and Community Supports Division
Services for Persons with Disabilities Section
Community Outreach Services
N.S. Department of Community Services
Nelson Place
5675 Spring Garden Road, 5th Floor
Halifax, NS B3J 1H1
 
  Mailing Address:
P.O. Box 696
Halifax, NS B3J 2T7

Tel: 902-424-0932
Fax: 902-424-0708
  		Mailing Address :
P.O. Box 696
Halifax, NS B3J 2T7

Tel: 902-424-3205
Fax: 902-424-0708
 
Application Forms & Process:
  Note: There is currently a residential review underway and approval of any new community homes is dependent on the results of the review.

Ordinary application requirements include: A letter of application (no standardized form is presently available); a pre-approval inspection by department staff; and any requirements which arise out of that inspection.
 
Waiting Period:
  (See above)
 
Expiry & Renewal:
  Existing approvals are renewed annually by the department. Homes providing care to adults must comply with the Interim Standards for the Community Based Options Program established November, 1996.

The Department does not send out a renewal notice; it is the responsibility of the operator to notify the division prior to the expiry of the Approval.
 
Price:
  Free
 
Related Requirements:
  (Contact the Department of Community Services at the addresses given above)
 
Additional Information:
 
  1. Existing licences for homes providing care to children can be renewed on an annual basis by the Department. For further information, contact the Family and Children's Services/Services for Persons with Disabilities Division (see address above).
     
  2. Homes under this Program must also be approved by the Office of the Fire Marshal, Department of Labour and Advanced Education.
     
  3. The Services for Persons with Disabilities Program provides residential and day programs for adults with intellectual/physical disabilities or long term mental illness. Residential services include a continuum of options ranging from support to families caring for a family member with a disability in their own home, to full 24 hour residential support.

    Community Based Options currently administered by the Nova Scotia Department of Community Services are as follows:

    Alternative Family Support: This program provides an approved family-like setting for those individuals who may require varying levels of support and supervision; prefer living with a family and will benefit from the additional support a family environment can provide. Alternate families receive financial compensation to help offset costs associated with care.

    Independent Living Support/Supportive Apartments: The Independent Living Support Program provides support and services to individuals who are semi-independent and require a minimal level of support, one to twenty-one hours (1-21). This program encourages and promotes independence, self-reliance, health and well being of individuals supported.

    Small Options: This is an option of support where care is provided to up to three persons with disabilities in a purchased or rented unit. Trained staff are provided on a full-time basis through a combination of live-in and shift models.

    Direct Family Support: This program provides financial assistance and support to eligible families who care for a family member, either a child or an adult, with a disability at home. Many families may need funding to help assist with some costs related to the family member's disability, such as respite, transportation and items considered special needs.
Legislative Authority:
  Children and Family Services Act, Revised Statutes of Nova Scotia, 1989, Chapter 5.
 



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