Sarting a Group home

[PeacefulHeart]

How would one go about starting a new group home or residential program for children? I would like it to be more holistically oriented, with focus on great nutrition and the like.

Any advice is greatly appreciated!!

[innovativemurse]

What type of population would you focus on? Able bodied, physically disabled, developmentally disabled?

Here in Colorado the department of health and human services is the regulatory body that oversees group home settings and residential programs. Your state should have something similar and there should be some info on their site that provides the steps in starting a program.

I am actually subcontracted by an agency that provides residential services to adults, so I know a bit about the business side of it, but again I am sure this varies from state to state. The gentleman who started his residential services does not have a medical background, so you would certainly be one up on that since many of these organizations need a nurse to sign off on documents, take verbal orders from M.D.'s/NP's, and basically be a medical advocate for these folks. No better person than a nurse (IMHO) to be an advocate.

[natkoz82]

I too am starting this type of business here in my home town of Chicago, I have spoken to many insightful people and also found this great book online, it made a world of difference in helping me with this you won't regret buying it. www.grouphomeguidebook.com by Sarah Johnson. She gives great advice and without her book I would be totally lost. I am in the process of obtaining a license but I am going to be working with the elderly (sort of my niche). I highly highly recommend the book, best money ever invested! Best of luck to you, their is a great need for these types of services, if it is something you are passionate about the sky is the limit.

[elkpark]

Every state has its own healthcare licensing agency and regulations. An important early step would be to check with your state's agency (typically a division of the state dept of health & human services, or whatever your state calls it), discuss with someone what type of program you want to operate, and find out how the agency would define/categorize your program, because that determines which set of regulations you'll have to meet. There will also be specific building/safety code regs you'll have to meet (and fire/safety inspections which will have to be passed before you can get licensed).

[grouphomes]

i too am starting this type of business here in my home town of chicago, i have spoken to many insightful people and also found this great book online, it made a world of difference in helping me with this you won't regret buying it. www.grouphomeguidebook.com by sarah johnson. She gives great advice and without her book i would be totally lost. I am in the process of obtaining a license but i am going to be working with the elderly (sort of my niche). I highly highly recommend the book, best money ever invested! Best of luck to you, their is a great need for these types of services, if it is something you are passionate about the sky is the limit.

i am also looking to get into the business. I just purchased that very same ebook...a wealth of info is true.

[grouphomes]

Natkoz82,

i live here in southern illinois, and i was wondering what licensing agency did you go through? What's the name of the website. I just relocated here, so i am trying to gather all sorts of info....thank you for your help, and good luck with your group home.

[Wgbem]

Does anyone have a sample policy/procedure book that they have found in order to prepare them for their group home? I am looking for a generic version that can be customized.

Thank you in advance.