POPULATIONS SERVED IN ADULT FOSTER CARE FACILITIES

This section will provide an overview of a variety of adult foster care populations served and their referral and funding sources.

A licensee is required to have a minimum of 1 year of experience working with each population identified as their adult foster care customer on the application, program statement and admission policy. [NOTE:  This requirement does not apply to applicants or licensees of adult foster care familiy homes.  See TYPE OF ADULT FOSTER CARE FACILITIES below.]  In addition, it is recommended that you research how you will receive placement referrals as well as the sources and amount of funding provided for each population served. This will assist in determining administrative costs and budget planning for the monthly operation of the adult foster care program.

Populations Served in Adult Foster Care

• Developmentally disabled residents may exhibit extremely challenging behaviors, may be medically fragile, and require highly skilled staff. Common referral sources include local mental health agencies and the ARC of Michigan. Residential services are often funded by the resident's Supplemental Security Income (SSI) or Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI). Consumers of the public mental health system who require a specialized residential program and those receiving SSI may receive additional public funding and support.
• Mentally ill residents may exhibit extremely challenging behaviors and require highly skilled staff. Common referral sources include local mental health agencies and the Alliance for the Mentally Ill.
• Aged residents may need adult foster care services because of the physical frailties of age. Common referral sources include local Offices on Aging and the Department of Human Services' Office of Adult Services.
• Aged residents may need adult foster care services as a result of Alzheimer's Disease or other causes of dementia. There are additional statutory requirements for a written description of services, staff training and environmental design features of adult foster care facilities that represent to the public that they provide services to persons with Alzheimer's Disease or related conditions.
• Residents who have sustained closed head injuries need special rehabilitation program services to be eligible for receipt of funding by most auto or workers compensation insurers.
• Physically handicapped residents include those with cerebral palsy and spinal cord injuries. Sources of referrals for placement include the Easter Seals Society and the United Cerebral Palsy Association as well as private insurers.
• The Bureau of Children and Adult Licensing (BCAL) does maintain a "searchable" database of all currently licensed adult foster care facilities on its website that is available to the public for use in identifying and exploring placement possibilities.
• The Bureau of Children and Adult Licensing DOES NOT make referrals or recommendations for placement or have any involvement in payment for adult foster care.

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TYPE OF ADULT FOSTER CARE FACILITIES

The licensing statute, PA 218, and the administrative rules provide for four different types of adult foster care (AFC) homes. This section will identify these different types of AFC homes. It will also provide basic information regarding the requirements for each type of home to allow you to make an informed decision as to the type of home to identify on the application.

TYPES OF HOMES

Adult Foster Care Family Home (AF)

• May be licensed for 1-6 residents depending on available space.
• Licensee must live in the home; a responsible person who can provide emergency care for up to 72 hours must be identified.
• Licensee must be an individual(s).
• Adult members of the household are required to obtain a medical clearance and authorize a criminal history check.
• There are no zoning restrictions.

Adult Foster Care Group Homes

(This is general information that applies to all categories of group homes.)

• Licensee not required to live in the home.
• Licensee can be an individual, partnership, a corporation, a Limited Liability Company (LLC) or other business entity.
• If a corporation or LLC, a licensee designee must be identified to represent the corporation in licensing matters.
• An administrator must be appointed for the home.
• A licensee or licensee designee can also be the administrator.
• An administrator is the individual responsible for the daily operations of the home/facility.
• Licensee/licensee designee, administrator and direct care staff must meet specific training qualifications.
• Licensee/licensee designee and administrator must have a high school diploma or GED.
• Licensee/licensee designee and administrator must have at least 1-year experience working with the population proposed to be served by the AFC facility.
• Licensee/licensee designee and administrator must obtain a medical clearance and authorize a criminal history check.

Small Group Home (AS)

• May be licensed for 1-6 residents depending on available space, as well as the number of occupants of the home and the number of toilets in the home.
• There are no zoning restrictions.
• Requires an interconnected smoke detection system installed according to the manufacturer's specifications and the NFPA 101, Life Safety Code of 1988, powered by the building's electrical system.

Medium Group Home (AM)

• May be licensed for 7-12 residents depending on available space, as well as the number of occupants of the homes and the number of toilets in the home.
• Approval from the local zoning authority is required.
• Bureau of Fire Services (BFS) rules apply and are enforced by the BFS.
• Newly licensed homes require a sprinkler system; existing homes that undergo a change of ownership/licensee do not require a sprinkler system if the new license application is made within 60 days of the previous license expiration and the license category is not changed.
• Local health departments complete inspections of rules related to environmental health and sanitation.

Large Group Home (AL)

• May be licensed for 13-20 residents depending on available space.
• Approval from the local zone authority is required.
• Bureau of Fire Services (BFS) rules apply and are enforced by the BFS.
• A sprinkler system is required for all large group homes.
• Local health departments complete inspections of rules related to environmental health and sanitation.

Special Certification

• Additional certification may be obtained for all facility types.
• Consumers of the public mental health system receive a specialized residential program in the AFC facility.
• Requires more services, more training and additional documentation.

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