Information and Requirements for Opening New Services

Disclaimer:
Service Coordination Support (SCS) and Developmental Services Ontario Eastern Region (DSOER) assume no responsibility or liability for any errors or omissions in the content of this information. SCS and DSOER do not contribute or participate in the process to open a new service, such as a group home.

This page offers information if you are interested in opening a Children’s Licensed Residential Care or services for adults, such as:

  • A supported group living residence
  • A host family agency
  • Community participation services and supports

Please send questions or feedback to: compliance@scsonline.ca

On this page


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Considerations Before Getting Started

Before you get started, we have listed things to consider that could strongly influence your decision to launch a new service:

  • There is no start up, capital or operational funding provided by the Ministry of Children, Community and Social Services (MCCSS).
  • The operator is responsible for all start up and operational costs and insurance. The operator is responsible for establishing their own service fees.
  • There is no guarantee of referrals of individuals who would reside in the group homes, host family or participate in the day programs.
  • There is no guarantee of income for the operator.

*Please note, DSO does not place individuals into Outside Paid Resources (OPR). DSO places individuals into Transfer Payment Agencies (TPA). At this time, the Ministry is not opening new TPAs.*

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Children’s Licensed Residential Care Information

All children’s homes must be licensed through the Ministry of Children, Community and Social Services (MCCSS). Here are few helpful links when considering opening a licensed children’s group home:

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Adult Services

Service Definitions

  • Host family: A family composed of one or more persons in which an individual with a developmental disability who is not a family member is placed by a service agency with the host family to reside and receive care, support and supervision and for which the host family receives remuneration from the service agency. *There is a cap of two individuals with disabilities supported per Host Family*.
  • Supported group living residence: A staff-supported residence operated by a service agency, in which three or more persons with developmental disabilities reside and receive services and supports from the agency.
  • Community participation services and supports: Services and supports to assist a person with a developmental disability with social and recreational activities, work activities, volunteer activities and such other services and supports as may be prescribed.
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Determine Your Plan

Is your plan to open a group home, host family, day program or something else? While launching these services requires following the same steps as any other service, from planning to launch, they also have specific requirements that need to be taken into account. Information on these requirements is provided in the next sections.

In addition to specific requirements, your plan should include the basic elements of a new service plan:

  1. Market Research and Analysis
    Where will you be located? Who is likely to be interested in your service? What are the internal factors that will make your service stand out from the rest? What are the disadvantages of your service compared to other similar services?
  2. Setting Objectives
    What are you aiming to achieve? You will follow these objectives throughout the planning and launch of your service. They need to be clear.
  3. Value Proposition
    Why will your potential customers engage with your service? What unique features and benefits do you offer?
  4. Communications
    How will potential customers find out about your service? Do you have a list of potential customers? Do you need to find them? If so, what means will you use?
  5. Launch
    The day has finally arrived, and it’s time to launch your service. Coordinate all your efforts to ensure a smooth and impactful launch. Not everything will be perfect on the first day. Make sure you take note of what needs to be improved so that you can continually make progress.
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1. Legislation

Legislation on services in Ontario refers to laws and regulations that govern the provision, funding, and administration of various services, often aimed at specific populations or needs. This can include a wide range of areas, such as healthcare, education, social services, and disability services.

A. Social Inclusion for Persons with Developmental Disabilities

As part of the developmental services (DS) transformation, the government passed the Services and Supports to Promote the Social Inclusion of Persons with Developmental Disabilities Act, 2008 (SIPDDA). All DS agencies funded by MCCSS are required to comply with standards set out under SIPDDA as follows:

  • As of January 1, 2011, the Ontario Regulation 299/10, Quality Assurance Measures (QAM)
  • As of June 1, 2012, the Policy Directives for Service Agencies or, for Developmental Service Offices, the Policy Directives for Application Entities

Learn more about SIPDDA here

B. Quality Assurance Measures – Regulation 299/10

Service agencies funded by MCCSS providing services and supports under SIPDDA must meet obligations under Ontario Regulation 299/10 (Quality Assurance Measures) and accompanying policy directives.

This Web resource will help you understand these obligations

C. Developmental Service (DS) Compliance Inspection: Indicator List

Under SIPDDA, MCCSS has the authority to inspect DS agencies and Developmental Services Ontario offices to ensure compliance with the minimum standards. Compliance inspections are completed by ministry staff (Program Advisors).

During an inspection, Program Advisors use a DS Compliance Inspection Report; the Indicator List replicates that report, capturing both QAM and policy directive requirements. They are categorized as follows:

  • Policy/Procedures
  • Board Records
  • Records/Documentation
  • Individual Records
  • Staff-Volunteer Records
  • Site Inspection

The Indicator List is available here

D. Developing Policies and Procedures based on legislative requirements

  • Protecting personal information
  • Medical Supports
  • Behaviour Supports
  • Health and Safety

E. Behavioural Support Plan Reference Guide

Service agencies must develop an individual behaviour support plan for every client with a developmental disability who has challenging behaviour.

You can access the guide here

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2. Operations

Operations related to your service must fall within certain parameters:

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3. Health and Safety

Workplace health and safety is about identifying and preventing hazards that could lead to injury, mental and physical illness and fatalities at work.

Strong workplace health and safety practices help to manage risk for employers and workers. The benefits include higher productivity, healthier workplaces, better recruitment and retention, and fewer fines and work interruptions.

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4. Staff Requirements

To provide services for people with developmental disabilities in Ontario, organizations typically need to meet specific staff requirements to ensure quality care and support. These requirements can vary depending on the type of service provided, but generally include the following:

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5. Grants

Grants can be a great way to get funding for your service. You can get grants for the following purposes:

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6. Respite

Respite is a ‘break’ that often helps families and caregivers take time off from care-giving for a short period of time. Respite creates opportunities for caregivers to spend their time on other important needs such as rest, relaxation and rejuvenation.

Respite is also an opportunity for a person who has a developmental disability or autism to meet new people, have fun and learn new skills. In short, respite can improve the quality of life of both the caregivers and their loved ones.

Consider offering respite (there is need in the community!) as individuals/families have greater resources/flexibility to purchase respite.

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About Transfer Payment Agencies (TPA) and Outside Public Resources (OPRs)

Transfer Payment Agency (TPA)

  • Funding is transferred directly from the Ministry Regional offices to the agency.
  • A transfer payment agency is an individual or entity that is legally capable of entering into contracts with the Ontario Government (e.g. a corporation).
  • The process of establishing a new transfer payment agency occurs solely within the context of a government initiative or a specific purpose that cannot be met by our existing transfer payment system.

Outside Paid Resources (OPR)

  • Do not receive direct finding from the ministry for start-up, capital or operational costs.
  • Start-up and capital costs are the responsibility of the operator.
  • Operational funding is derived from placing agencies paying for the services provided to each child residing in the residence on a per diem basis.
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Request for Consultation

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