Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAboutPD-38-89 DN: 14 5 (m) TOWN OF NEWCASTLE REPORT File # �� Res. # By-Law # MEETING: General Purpose and Administration Committee DATE: Monday, February 6, 1989 REPORT #: PD-38-89 FILE #: SUBJECT: GROUP HOMES FILE: PLN. 11.5 RECOMMENDATIONS: It is respectfully recommended that the General Purpose and Administration Committee recommend to Council the following: 1. THAT Report PD-38-89 be received for information. 1. BACKGROUND 1.1 At its meeting of December 12, 1988, the General Purpose and Administration Committee passed the following resolution: "THAT the Town of Newcastle contact the Ministry of Health, the Ministry of Community and Social Services and the Ministry of Municipal Affairs to investigate the licensing requirements of these Group Homes." This Report is prepared in fulfillment of Committee's request and will provide essential background information on group homes. The attachments to this Report are extracted from the Ontario Group Homes Resources Manual. 2. . . BED0IT 00.: PD-38-89 PAGE 2 _______________________________________________________________________________ 2. DEFINITION OF A GROUP HOME 2.1 The Government of Ontario defines o group home as na single housekeeping unit in a residential dwelling in which three to ten persons (excluding supervisory staff or receiving family) live as a family under responsible supervision nVoaioteut with the particular needs of its residents. The home is licensed or approved under provincial statutes and in compliance with municipal by-laws." 2.2 & group home is a type of residential use; it is not an institutional use such as a oozaiug bone or hospital. The limitation of size to a maximum of 10 persons is to preserve this residential character. Group Homes are intended to be a supervised residence in which residents participate fully in household responsibilities and interact in cmnmouity life, essential to the natural development of personal and social skills. 2.3 Municipalities have recognized the need for such services but have also realized that they had certain characteristics that made them different from the traditional family dwelling. Some have treated them as "Boarding bonaea'/' some have treated them as 'imiui-institutions". Many municipalities, including the Town of Newcastle, require a site specific amendment to the zoning by-law to allow such uses. With Provincial encouragement and assistance, a significant number of Ontario municipalities have adopted by-laws to permit group boovea in residential areas "as a right" subject to certain conditions. D8D0ET 0O. : pD-38-89 PAGE 3 _______________________________________________________________________________ 3. PROVINCIAL PROGRAMS 3.1 Three Provincial ministries facilitate group home programs. Group Homes are either licensed or approved for funding by Provincial ministries. This process zegoicea regular inspections and the operators must meet criteria specified for their program. They must also pass an a000aI inspection by the Fire Department and BeoItb Unit. At present, there are eleven Provincial group home programs, two of which require licensing. The licensing procedure is used when Provincial involvement is more indirect. 3^2 The Ministry of Health have responsibilities for providing continuity of care for people who have experienced mental health problems. Group Boo»eo are utilized as a means to assist people to re-enter or remain in their home community. The Ministry of Community of Social Services has developed o series of programs which provide for the well-being of persons with a wide-range of special needs or disabilities. Lastly, the Ontario Ministry of Correctional Services has residential programs which enable an offender to serve their sentence while working or receiving training in his or her community. The various programs are as follows: Responsible Ministry Name of Program Licenced or Approved Health Approved Homes Approved 8muea for Special Care Lioeuoed Supportive Housing Programs Approved 4.. . REPORT NO. : PD-38-89 PAGE 4 -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Community & Social Services Children's Residences Licenced Accomodation for Developmentally Handicapped Approved Satellite Residences for Seniors Approved Halfway Houses for Alcoholics Approved Halfway Houses for the Socially Disadvantaged Approved Halfway Houses for Ex-Offenders Approved Correctional Services Community Resource Centre Approved Phase 2 Homes for Young Offenders Approved 3.3 Attachment # 1 briefly outlines the objectives, supervision and staffing requirements, licensing and approval procedures for each of the above programs with one exception. The Phase 2 Homes for Young Offenders is a relatively new program and no summary was available. 4. FEDERAL PROGRAMS 4.1 Correctional Services of Canada operates a program for offenders sentenced to federal penetentiaries. These are known as Community Resource Centres. Some of these facilities may be considered group homes if they have less than 10 persons. The exact nature and size of the facility is determined by individual contracts where the operator agrees to serve a particular type of client. Some offer enhanced drug and alcohol treatment programs. These facilities are inspected annually to ensure standards of various authorieies are met. 5. . . REPORT 00.: pD-38-89 PACE 5 _______________________________________________________________________________ 5. MUNICIPAL REGULATION 5.1 The Durham Regional Official Plan: Group buoeo are listed as a permitted use in designated urban residential areas and in residential clusters and lots of record in rural areas. The provisions state that it is the intention of the Plan to prevent the undue concentration of group homes within Residential Areas in terms of location and impact on community facilities. The Durham Regional Official Plan makes provisions for area municipalities to incorporate standards in zoning by-laws requiring minimum distance separation between group homes. 5.3 THE TOWN OF NEWCASTLE OFFICIAL PLAN: The Tmvu of Newcastle Official Plan makes provision for group homes in Residential Areas. There are no specific provisions related to spacing or other aspects of group home operations. 5.3 THE TOWN OF NEWCASTLE ZONING BY-LAW: As it cozzeutIlr stands, group homes are only permitted by a site specific amendment to the zoning by-law. The definition in the by-law is based on the Provincial definition which requires that: (i) group bmneo be limited in size to 4 - 10 persons (other than staff or zecieviug family) (ii) group homes moot be Iioeomed or approved for funding by the Province. (iii) group homes omot 000gpIl' to all municipal by-laws. The zoning by-law excludes, by definition, federal government DzVgzaom/. The zoning by-law requires that no group home locate within 300 metres of another group home. In addition only one group bmne for eIemeutarl, or 'ouioz high school aged children is permitted in the area served by any one school. RDD0DT 00. ; PD-38-89 PAGE 6 _______________________________________________________________________________ 5.4 REGISTRATION OF GROUP HOMES Under Section 236 of the Municipal Act, the 7ovmo of Newcastle enacted By-law 81-I92 to require the registration of group homes. Registration, reviewed annually, ensures that the municipality is apprised of the current inventory of group boovea in the municipality, has a record of each operator and facilitates inspections by the municipality regarding compliance with zoning and building regulations. The Town Clerk is designated as the registrar of group homes. Failure to register can result in a fine of up to �I000.00. Where the registrar has reasonable and probable grounds to believe that a group home is operating and is not registered, a search warrant can be obtained to enter and inspect the premises. G. EXISTING G0JOp HOMES 6.2 At the present time, there are five group homes in the Town of Newcastle. All of these are n8mneo for Special Caren licensed by the Ministry of Health and supervised by the Whitby Psychiatric Hospital. All five are zoned properly and are registered with the Town of Newcastle. In addition, there is one property zoned for a group bmne but it is not currently operating. 7. COMMENTS 7.1 There is widespread misunderstanding about group homes, in Dart because there has been confusion about various types of residences ofter referred to as "group homes". The Provincial definition was established to ensure that the residential character of group homes was ensured by limiting their size, that adequate supervision was ensured through the funding and licensing process and that municipal by-laws were applicable. REPORT N0. : pD-38-89 PAGE 7 ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- There are residences of similar character by exceed the ten person limit which are justifiably then considered an "institutional" use. There are also residences which are privately run without the benefit of Provincial funding and monitoring which are then more appropriately considered either as "boarding b000eon or illegal privately-run group bmoea. The two most recent ouaeo ie: 106 Cbozob Street and Substance Abuse Center in Clarke Township were not group homes under the definition used by the Province of Ontario or the Town of Newcastle and details of these two cases are contained in a separate report. 7.2 As noted above/ the zoning of group homes can be acc(modated in two basic approaches: (a) a site specific zoning amendment (b) on a "as-of-right" zoning basis There are eecoudmzl, options such as distinguishing correctional group bmnee separately or applying different standards for urban and rural areas. The Town of Newcastle has adopted the first approach which requires a prospective group home operator to go through the zoning pzVoeoo. The advantage is that neighbouring residents are given notice before n group home commences operation. This disadvantage, however, is that tbe various prejudices, misunderstandings and the dubious reputation of illegal operations bring the proposals of good operators into disrepute. As u result, the public process becomes confrontational and discourages good operators from attempting to establish o group bmoe^ The net result is that Newcastle residents with various handicaps or social problems that are amenable to a group bone setting must either find aocoomodatioo without special care supervision or be institutionalized or be moved to another community where group bmnea have located~ 8.. . REPORT 00. : PD-38-89 PAGE 8 ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 7.3 It sbVoId be noted that the Provincial policy is that group homes should be permitted in residential areas "as-a-right" subject to appropriate ooutrnIo such as minimum separation distances and a registration system. In addition, at least one organization has requested the Tcmm to review its group home policy with a view to easing the present restrictive process. The Oshawa and District Association for Community Living has requested that the zoning by-law be amended to permit op to four unrelated obiIdzeo live in a group home in a residential area with appropriate support. 7.4 For Council's information, the following 000mnery of group home policies of other IakeoboremuuicigaIitieo in Durham Region is provided: Pickering No specific group bmne policies. Group homes permitted under definition of family in zoning by-law. No registration by-law. Proposed policy under consideration ainniIaz to Ajax. Correctional group homes would require site specific zoning. Ajax Group homes permitted "as-a-right" in all residential zones with 500m separation distance. Registration required. Whitby Group homes treated as boarding and lodging homes. Licensed as boarding bone. No minimum separation distances. Oshawa No specific group home policies in zoning bv-law. Group homes funded by the Ontario Govermoemeut permitted "as-a- right" by virtue of interpretation of certain "public use" provisions. No registration by-law or miuinxon distance separation. Policy currently om]ez review. BEP0IyC NO. : PD-38-89 PAGE 9 _______________________________________________________________________________ 8. CONCLUSION Group bmuea provide a omcb needed service to Town residents with special needs. Unfortunately group homes have an image problem which is only reinforced by private operators who are neither licensed/ approved for funding under Provincial programs nor comply with municipal regulations. This situation could occur ouGez either the site specific or "as-a-right" approaches to zoning if omuioipeI regulations are not efficiently enforced. The five legally operating group homes in the Town are legitimate residential uses which are regularly inspected. As far as staff is aware, there have been no problems of significance with the operation of these facilities. Respectfully submitted, Recommended for presentation to the Committee _~ / \~_ _ // i���' _______________ Franklin Wu, y�.C.I.D. Lawzeu Koteeff Director of Planning & Development Chief DdniuXatcative Officer DC*EW oc *Attach. January 9" 1989 I Q -LI PROVINCIALLY ENSED AND OR C / -APPROVED GROUP HOMES PROGRAMS Several ministries of the Ontario government have a direct or in- direct involvement with group homes. A list of key contacts with- in the provincial government is contained in Appendix C of this manual. The Secretariat for Social Development is responsible for co- ordinating implementation of the provincial group homes policy. The Provincial Group Homes Co-ordinator — a member of the secretariat staff — is available to answer questions about the pol- icy and programs and to assist municipalities that wish to provide for the establishment of group homes in residential areas through appropriate changes to their official plans and zoning by-laws. The Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing provides techni- cal assistance to municipal planners and reviews proposed by- law amendments to ensure that they comply with the land-use policies contained in a municipality's Official Plan.' Three different ministries of the Ontario government have specif- ic legislative responsibility for licensing and/or approving group homes: the Ministry of Health, the Ministry of Community and Social Services, and the Ministry of Correctional Services. MINISTRY OF HEALTH The responsibilities of the Ontario Ministry of Health include PROGRAMS providing continuity of care for people who have experienced mental health problems (which may have been serious enough to warrant hospitalization). In fulfilling this responsibility, the min- istry often finds it necessary to assist such people to re-enter or remain in the community. In order to respond to varying needs, the ministry licenses and/or approves three different types of group homes: Approved Homes, Homes for Special Care— Residential, and Supportive Housing Programs. MINISTRY OF The Ontario Ministry of Community and Social Services has de- COMMUNITY AND signed a series of programs which provide for the well-being of SOCIAL SERVICES persons with a wide range of special needs or disabilities. The PROGRAMS ministry licenses and/or approves six types of group homes: Chil- dren's Residences, Accommodation Services for the Developmen- tally Handicapped, Satellite Residences for Seniors, Halfway Houses for Alcoholics, Halfway Houses for the Socially Disad- vantaged, and Halfway Houses for Ex-offenders. 1 This applies only to municipalities which are not organized under a regional government struc- ture. Regional governments have been delegated authority to ensure that land-use policies con- tained in the official plans and zoning by-laws of communities within their jurisdiction are con- sistent with those contained in the regional municipality's Official Plan. MINISTRY OF The Ontario Ministry of Correctional Services has developed a CCORRECTIONAL residential program which enables an offender to serve his or SERVICES PROGRAMS her sentence while working or receiving training in the commu- nity and living in a group home setting rather than in a correc- tional facility. This type of residence is known as a Community Resource Centre. A detailed description of each of these programs follows. APPROVED HOMES LEGISLATIVE Mental Hospitals Act, R.S.O. 1980, c. 263, R.R.O. 611 AUTHORITY MINISTERIAL Ontario Ministry of Health RESPONSIBILITY RESIDENTS Patients of provincial psychiatric hospitals who, at a certain stage in their recovery, can benefit from a family-oriented living ar- rangement in the community. PROGRAM The primary objective of the program is to assist in the social re- OBJECTIVES habilitation of those who, because of mental health problems or for social or economic reasons, are not yet able to live indepen- dently. At first, this may involve practice in assuming responsible behaviour, such as personal care and social adaptation. At a later stage, the resident is encouraged to seek employment, or pursue his or her education, and participate in a range of community activities. STAFFING AND Each home is operated by a responsible individual who has suit- SUPERVISION able prior experience and a sincere interest in providing for the needs of this client group. He or she must be in good standing in the community. Staffing levels are determined by the number of residents in the home, the nature of their needs, and the type of program or services being offered. Supervision is provided on an around-the-clock basis. Overall supervision is provided through provincial psychiatric hospitals, whose social workers or rehabili- tation staff visit the home on a weekly basis. LICENSING/APPROVAL Operating approval is given in the form of a certificate issued by PROCEDURES; the Minister of Health. COMPLIANCE WITH The prospective operator must ensure that the home complies REGULATIONS with municipal zoning by-laws and with provincial and munici- pal regulations governing building standards, health, fire safety, and occupancy. The need for the service to be provided in a specific area must also be demonstrated. Assessment and priorization of local needs are generally the responsibility of district health councils and/or provincial psychiatric hospitals. In addition to documenting i the need for the home, the operator must demonstrate that he or she is knowledgeable about the community and the availability of support services and facilities. The certificate of approval that is granted to these homes can be revoked if the operator fails to comply with provincial and mu- nicipal regulations. NUMBER OF HOMES As of January 1, 1983, 34 Approved Homes were operating in Ontario. Of these, 20 are considered to be group homes, since they house between three and ten residents. MINISTRY CONTACT Mental Health Operations Branch FOR FURTHER Ministry of Health INFORMATION 8th Floor, Hepburn Block (queen's Park Toronto, Ontario M7A 1R3 (416) 965-6236 HOMES FOR SPECIAL CARE - RESIDENTIAL LEGISLATIVE Homes for Special Care Act, R.S.O. 1980, c. 202, R.R.O. 501 AUTHORITY MINISTERIAL Ontario Ministry of Health RESPONSIBILITY RESIDENTS Individuals who, upon discharge from provincial psychiatric hos- pitals or regional centres for the mentally retarded, require a sheltered living arrangement. PROGRAM To provide accommodation and support for individuals who re- OBJECTIVES quire long-term or permanent sheltered care in a residential set- ting. STAFFING AND Each home is operated by a responsible individual who has suit- SUPERVISION able prior experience and a sincere interest in providing for the needs of this client group. He or she must be a full-time resident of the home. Supervision is provided on an around-the-clock basis, and the operator must ensure that an attending physician is on call at all times. Assistance is provided to each operator by a Homes for Special Care Worker, a Ministry of Health field-staff employee who is responsible for arranging social activities for group home residents and for administering the Homes for Spe- cial Care Act at the local level. LICENSING/APPROVAL Homes for Special Care are operated under a licence issued by PROCEDURES; the Ministry of Health. COMPLIANCE WITH The operator must ensure that the home complies with municipal REGULATIONS zoning by-laws and with provincial and municipal regulations governing building standards, health, fire safety, and occupancy. The need for the service to be provided in a specific area must also be demonstrated. Assessment and priorization of local needs are generally the responsibility of district health councils and/or provincial psychiatric hospitals. In addition to documenting the need for the home, the operator must demonstrate that he or she is knowledgeable about the community and the availability of support services and facilities. Each home is visited by a Ministry of Health field worker at least once a month. An annual inspection is also conducted by the Ministry of Health's Inspections Branch to ensure that each home is being operated and maintained in accordance with provincial and municipal regulations. Homes for Special Care are re- licensed on an annual basis. The licence can be revoked if the operator fails to comply with provincial and municipal regula- tions. NUMBER OF HOMES As of January 1, 1983, 298 Homes for Special Care were operat- ing in Ontario. Of these, 159 are considered to be group homes, since they house between three and ten residents. MINISTRY CONTACT Mental Health Operations Branch FOR FURTHER Ministry Of Health INFORMATION 8th Floor, Hepburn Block Queen's Park Toronto, Ontario M7A 1R3 (416) 965-6236 SUPPORTIVE HOUSING PROGRAMS: ADULT COMMMUNITY MENTAL HEALTH PROGRAM LEGISLATIVE Ministry of Health Act, R.S.O. 1980, C. 280, R.R.O. 661 AUTHORITY MINISTERIAL Ontario Ministry of Health RESPONSIBILITY RESIDENTS Psychiatric or former psychiatric patients who lack the requisite life skills or the emotional stability to manage under less support- ive living arrangements. PROGRAM To provide programming within a setting in which residents can OBJECTIVES improve their life skills and gain stability in preparation for inde- pendent living. STAFFING AND Supportive Housing Programs are operated and supervised by an SUPERVISION administering body, which must be a recognized community or- ganization, treatment facility, or agency. Staffing levels are deter- mined by the number of residents in the home, the nature of their needs, and the.type of program or services being offered. The level of supervision varies according to the needs and capa- bilities of the residents in the program. LICENSING/APPROVAL Formal approval of a program is given in the form of a letter PROCEDURES: from the Minister of Health. COMPLIANCE WITH Compliance with municipal zoning by-laws and with provincial REGULATIONS and municipal regulations governing building standards, health, fire safety, and occupancy is required. The operator must also demonstrate that there is a need for the service to be provided in the area, and that he or she is knowl- edgeable about the community and the availability of support services and facilities. Supportive Housing Programs must be operated in compliance ( with the established policies and criteria of the Adult Community Mental Health Program or funding can be withdrawn. NUMBER OF HOMES As of January 1, 1983, accommodation for a total of 286 people was being provided in 53 residences. MINISTRY CONTACT Mental Health Operations Branch FOR FURTHER Ministry of Health INFORMATION 8th Floor, Hepburn Block Queen's Park Toronto, Ontario M7A 1R3 (416) 965-6236 CHILDREN'S RESIDENCES LEGISLATIVE Children's Residential Services Act, R.S.O. 1980, c. 71, R.R.O. 101 AUTHORITY as amended MINISTERIAL Ontario Ministry of Community and Social Services RESPONSIBILITY RESIDENTS Children under 18 years of age whose needs cannot be met while living with parents or with other relatives. PROGRAM Program objectives vary according to a child's age, needs, and OBJECTIVES abilities. They may include development of academic/vocational skills; reintegration of a child into his or her own family; prepa- ration of a child to live independently; development of interper- sonal relationships; improved physical functioning; development of self-esteem, self-awareness, and control; improvement of speech or language; and improved functioning of the child within acceptable community standards. DIFFERENCES BETWEEN A foster home is a residence which has been selected by a place- GROUP HOMES FOR ment agency such as the Children's Aid Society for the care of CHILDREN AND FOSTER from one to four children who are living away from the homes of HOMES their own parents or guardians. Foster parents are full-time resi- dents of the home and assume ordinary parental relationships with the.children placed in their care. Group homes for children may be operated on either a staff or a parent model basis, and, unlike foster homes (which are regu- lated under provincial foster care standards), must be licensed under the Children's Residential Services Act. A parent model group home is a residence in which one or two persons live full time and act as substitute parents to children by providing around-the-clock care, supervision, and training. Relief staff may be used, but not on a daily shift rotation basis. Parent model homes may accommodate between five and ten children. A staff model group home is a residence in which persons are employed to provide around-the-clock care for children and in which at least one employee is on active duty during each shift. Staff model group homes may accommodate between three and ten children. STAFFING AND Children's Residences are operated by responsible agencies or by SUPERVISION individuals who have suitable prior experience and a sincere in- terest in working with this client group. Staffing levels are deter- . mined by the number and age of the residents in the home, the nature of their needs, and the type of program or services being offered. Supervision is provided on an around-the-clock basis. Ministry of Community and Social Services program supervisors are available to provide advice and assistance to group home op- erators and monitor the operation and maintenance of each home as part of their regular responsibilities. LICENSING/APPROVAL The original licence for a Children's Residence is issued for a PROCEDURES; period of not more than one year. A new application for licens- COMPLIANCE WITH ing must be submitted at the end of the first year of operation REGULATIONS and every year thereafter. The operator must ensure that the home complies with municipal zoning by-laws and with provincial and municipal regulations governing building standards, health, fire safety, and occupancy. The operator must also demonstrate that there is a need for the service to be provided in the area, and that he or she is knowl- edgeable about the community and the availability of support services and facilities. Children's Residences are subject to an annual assessment to en- sure continued compliance with provincial regulations, and are inspected annually by the municipality to ensure that they com- ply with local by-laws. Every three years, the residence is subject to a special program review by a Ministry of Community and So- cial Services program supervisor. Failure to comply with provin- cial and municipal regulations can result in a provisional licence being issued, or the licence can be revoked and not reinstated. NUMBER OF HOMES As of January 1, 1983, 863 Children's Residences were operating in Ontario. Of these, 641 are considered to be group homes, since they house between three and ten residents. MINISTRY CONTACT The nearest area office of the Ministry of Community and Social FOR FURTHER Services should be contacted for further information. A list of INFORMATION area managers for Children's Operations is contained in Appen- dix C of this manual. ACCOMMODATION SERVICES FOR THE DEVELOPMENTALLY HANDICAPPED LEGISLATIVE Homes for Retarded Persons Act, R.S.O. 1980, c. 201, R.R.O. 500 AUTHORITY as amended Developmental Services Act, R.S.O. 1980, c. 118, R.R.O. 242 as amended MINISTERIAL Ontario Ministry of Community and Social Services RESPONSIBILITY RESIDENTS Developmentally handicapped adults or children who have pre- viously been living in the community or in a facility for develop- mentally handicapped persons. PROGRAM To provide a residential setting which approximates family living OBJECTIVES and which enables individuals to achieve the highest possible level of independent living. Program components include train- ing in basic life skills such as feeding, dressing, preparing a per- sonal budget, and shopping, as well as training designed to help an individual cope with specific handicaps such as blindness. The program also permits maximum access to opportunities for personal growth and development, as well as the development of stable and congenial relations, while allowing for privacy and control over personal space. STAFFING AND Most group homes for developmentally handicapped persons are SUPERVISION operated by non-profit charitable corporations, but they may also be operated by persons working under the direct supervision of a provincial facility for the developmentally handicapped. The per- son selected as the director of each home must be approved by the Ministry of Community and Social Services. Staffing for this type of home varies according to the functioning level and number of residents, their ages, and the type of pro- gram or services being offered. Supervision is provided on an around-the-clock basis, if required. LICENSING/APPROVAL Approval for funding is given in the form of a letter from the PROCEDURES; Minister of Community and Social Services to the non-profit cor- COMPLIANCE WITH poration operating the home. REGULATIONS The operator must ensure that the home complies with municipal zoning by-laws and with provincial and municipal regulations governing building standards, health, fire safety, and occupancy. A need for the service to be provided in the area must also be demonstrated. Assessment and priorization of local needs are generally the responsibility of a local working group for the de- velopmentally handicapped. In addition to documenting the need for the home, the operator must demonstrate that he or she is knowledgeable about the community and the availability of sup- port services and facilities. Ministry of Community and Social Services program supervisors maintain close liaison with each operator, and operational re- views or assessments of each home are conducted on a regular basis. Funding approval can be revoked if the operator fails to comply with provincial and municipal regulations. NUMBER OF HOMES As of January 1, 1983, a total of 374 homes were operating in Ontario. MINISTRY CONTACT The nearest area office of the Ministry of Community and Social FOR FURTHER Services should be contacted for further information. A list of INFORMATION area managers for both Children's and Adult Operations is con- tained in Appendix C of this manual. SATELLITE RESIDENCES FOR SENIORS LEGISLATIVE Homes for the Aged and Rest Homes Act, R.S.O. 1980, c. 203, AUTHORITY R.R.O. 502 as amended MINISTERIAL Ontario Ministry of Community and Social Services RESPONSIBILITY RESIDENTS Individuals over the age of 60 who are referred to satellite resi- dences by municipal Homes for the Aged. PROGRAM To provide a residential setting for elderly individuals who are OBJECTIVES no longer able to be cared for at home or who are unable to live at home without supervision and assistance. STAFFING AND In some cases, the operators of Satellite Residences for Seniors SUPERVISION are individual homeowners who provide accommodation for one or two residents. More frequently, they are persons appointed to operate a home by a municipal Home for the Aged. In either case, the operator must be approved by the Ministry of Commu- nity and Social Services. Staffing levels depend on the number of residents in the home, the nature of their needs, and the type of program or services being offered. Supervision is provided on an around-the-clock basis. Medical and social services are provided for residents by a municipal Home for the Aged. LICENSING/APPROVAL The provision of Satellite Residences for Seniors is left to the dis- PROCEDURES; cretion of municipalities, and the residences are administered COMPLIANCE WITH through municipal Homes for the Aged. REGULATIONS The operator of a Satellite Residence for Seniors must ensure that the home complies with municipal zoning by-laws and with provincial and municipal regulations governing building stan- dards, health, fire safety, and occupancy. A municipal Home for the Aged is generally responsible for demonstrating that there is a need for the service to be provided and that support services and facilities are available. Satellite Residences for Seniors are inspected and approved by a municipal authority at least once every four months. Approval to operate can be revoked if the operator fails to comply with pro- vincial and municipal regulations. MINISTRY CONTACT The nearest area office of the Ministry of Community and Social FOR FURTHER Services should be contacted for further information. A list of INFORMATION area managers for Adult Operations is contained in Appendix C of this manual. HALFWAY HOUSES FOR ALCOHOLICS LEGISLATIVE Charitable Institutions Act, R.S.O. 1980, c. 64, R.R.O. 95 as AUTHORITY amended. MINISTERIAL Ontario Ministry of Community and Social Services RESPONSIBILITY RESIDENTS Persons recovering from alcoholism. PROGRAM To focus on the various steps in the recovery process with em- OBJECTIVES phasis on increasing self-responsibility, decision-making, han- dling loneliness, and learning social experiences that can be satisfying without drinking. Individual and group counselling is provided, along with job retraining and search skills. STAFFING AND These homes are administered by non-profit corporations. SUPERVISION Staffing and supervision are provided by individuals who are knowledgeable about the treatment of alcoholism. Staffing levels depend on the number of residents in the home and the type of program or services being offered. / LICENSING/APPROVAL Approval for funding under the Charitable Institutions Act is l PROCEDURES; given in the form of a letter from the Minister of Community and COMPLIANCE WITH Social Services to the non-profit corporation operating the home.. REGULATIONS The operator must ensure that the home complies with municipal zoning by-laws and with provincial and municipal regulations governing building standards, health, fire safety, and occupancy. The operator must also demonstrate that there is a need for the service to be provided in the area, and that he or she is knowl- edgeable about the community and the availability of support services and facilities. The physical condition of Halfway Houses for Alcoholics is in- spected annually by Ministry of Community and Social Services program supervisors to ensure compliance with provincial and municipal regulations, and work is now under way to extend pro- cedures to a systematic review of the management and operation of such homes. Funding approval can be revoked if the operator fails to comply with provincial and municipal regulations. NUMBER OF HOMES As of January 1, 1983, 25 Halfway Houses for Alcoholics were operating in Ontario. Of these, only one is considered to be a group home, since the remainder house more than ten persons. MINISTRY CONTACT The nearest area office of the Ministry of Community and Social FOR FURTHER Services should be contacted for further information. A list of INFORMATION area managers for Adult Operations is contained in Appendix C of this manual. HALFWAY HOUSES FOR THE SOCIALLY DISADVANTAGED LEGISLATIVE Charitable Institutions Act, R.S.O. 1980, c. 64, R.R.O. 95 as AUTHORITY amended. MINISTERIAL Ontario Ministry of Community and Social Services RESPONSIBILITY RESIDENTS Adults who are either socially disadvantaged or who have emo- tional problems. PROGRAM To provide transitional accommodation and to help individuals OBJECTIVES function at a level that will allow them to live independently in the community. Activities include individual and group counsel- ling, the teaching of job-hunting techniques, social adjustment training, and training in the use of leisure time. STAFFING AND These homes are administered by non-profit corporations. Staff- SUPERVISION ing levels depend on the number of residents, the nature of their needs, and the type of program or services being offered. Super- vision is provided on an around-the-clock basis. LICENSING/APPROVAL Approval for funding under the Charitable Institutions Act is PROCEDURES; . given in the form of a letter from the Minister of Community and COMPLIANCE WITH Social Services to the non-profit corporation operating the home. REGULATIONS The operator must ensure that the home complies with municipal zoning by-laws and with provincial and municipal regulations governing building standards, health, fire safety, and occupancy. The operator must also demonstrate that there is a need for the service to be provided in the area, and that he or she is knowl- edgeable about the community and the availability of support services and facilities. The physical condition of Halfway Houses for the Socially Disad- vantaged is inspected annually by Ministry of Community and Social Services program supervisors to ensure compliance with provincial and municipal regulations, and work is now under way to extend procedures to a systematic review of the manage- ment and operation of such homes. Funding approval can be re- voked if the operator fails to comply with provincial and munici- pal regulations. NUMBER OF HOMES As of January 1, 1983, only three Halfway Houses for the Socially Disadvantaged were operating in Ontario. Of these, two are con- sidered to be group homes, since they house between three and ten residents. MINISTRY CONTACT The nearest area office of the Ministry of Community and Social FOR FURTHER Services should be contacted for further information. A list of INFORMATION area managers for Adult Operations is contained in Appendix C of this manual. HALFWAY HOUSES FOR EX-OFFENDERS LEGISLATIVE Charitable Institutions Act, R.S.O. 1980, c. 64, R.R.O. 95 as AUTHORITY amended. MINISTERIAL Ontario Ministry of Community and Social Services RESPONSIBILITY RESIDENTS Adults on probation or parole from provincial correctional facili- ties or federal penitentiaries who would otherwise be living inde- pendently, but who voluntarily enter a halfway house. PROGRAM To provide a transitional residential program which promotes the OBJECTIVES opportunity for participation in the community in a law-abiding and productive manner. Activities are centred around the resto- ration of family relationships, locating educational or employ- ment opportunities, and participation in community activities or life skills courses. STAFFING AND These homes are administered by non-profit corporations. Staff- SUPERVISION ing levels depend on the number of residents in the home and the type of program or services being offered. Supervision is provided on an around-the-clock basis. LICENSING/APPROVAL Approval for funding under the Charitable Institutions Act is PROCEDURES; given in the form of a letter from the Minister of Community and COMPLIANCE WITH Social Services to the non-profit corporation operating the home. REGULATIONS The operator must ensure that the home complies with municipal zoning by-laws and with provincial and municipal regulations governing building standards, health, fire safety, and occupancy. The operator must also demonstrate that there is a need for the service to be provided in the area, and that he or she is knowl- edgeable about the community and the availability of support services and facilities. The physical condition of Halfway Houses for Ex-offenders is in- spected annually by Ministry of Community and Social Services program supervisors to ensure compliance with provincial and municipal regulations, and work is now under way to extend pro- cedures to a systematic review of the management and operation of such homes. Funding approval can be revoked if an operator fails to comply with provincial and municipal regulations. NUMBER OF HOMES As of January 1, 1983, only seven Halfway Houses for Ex- `µ offenders were operating in Ontario. None of these is considered to be a group home, since more than ten individuals currently re- side in each home. MINISTRY CONTACT The nearest area office of the Ministry of Community and Social FOR FURTHER Services should be contacted for further information. A list of INFORMATION area managers for Adult Operations is contained in Appendix C of this manual. COMMUNITY RESOURCE CENTRES LEGISLATIVE Ministry of Correctional Services Act, R.S.O. 1980, c. 275 AUTHORITY MINISTERIAL Ontario Ministry of Correctional Services RESPONSIBILITY RESIDENTS Sentenced individuals who are deemed more likely to benefit from rehabilitation in a community residential program than they would from remaining in a correctional facility. No one sen- tenced to a term of more than two years is eligible for placement in a Community Resource Centre program. A number of proce- dures, including an investigation of the suitability of the individu- al for community living, take place before he or she is recommended for acceptance in the program by an Assessment Committee. PROGRAM To help the individual assume more responsibility for his or her OBJECTIVES own circumstances. As the resident develops an ability to deal with personal problems, he or she is given an opportunity for greater self-determination and increasing involvement in the community. The home builds up a list of local employers and educational facilities willing to co-operate with the Centre, and during the day residents either work or go to school. Training in establishing a stable work pattern, employment counselling, and life skills courses are also offered. Participation in community volunteer programs is also encouraged. STAFFING AND Community Resource Centres are administered by non-profit or- SUPERVISION ganizations or agencies such as the St. Leonard's Society or the Salvation Army. Supervision by qualified staff is provided on an ( around-the-clock basis. Staff from the parent institution visit the centres regularly to ensure compliance with supervision require- ments and with ministry standards of operation. LICENSING/APPROVAL The Ministry of Correctional Services and the agency responsible PROCEDURES; for the home sign a Community Resource Centre Agreement. COMPLIANCE WITH This agreement establishes the responsibility of the agency to REGULATIONS provide a residential facility with an established bed-space ca- pacity, to provide trained staff approved by the ministry, and to pay the salaries and benefits of all staff. The contractual agree- ment can be terminated if there is non-compliance with provin- cial or municipal regulations. The operator must ensure that the home complies with municipal zoning by-laws and with provincial and municipal regulations governing building standards, health, fire safety, and occupancy. A need for the service to be provided in the community must be demonstrated by the superintendent of a provincial correctional facility before funds for a Community Resource Centre can be allocated. NUMBER OF HOMES As of January 1, 1983, 32 Community Resource Centres were operating in Ontario. Of these, six are considered to be group homes, since they house between three and ten residents. MINISTRY CONTACT Community Resource Centres Development Branch FOR FURTHER Ministry Of Correctional Services INFORMATION 2001 Eglinton Avenue East Scarborough, Ontario M1L 4P1 (416) 750-3400