Making a home for at-risk youth.
The Community Care Licensing Division of the California Department of Social Services is responsible for licensing and overseeing group homes that care for the state's at-risk children. Only nonprofit corporations may be compensated with state foster care funds to operate a group home. The corporation's Board of Directors ensures that the group home is operated in compliance with the sections of Title 22 of the California Code of Regulations that govern group homes.
Instructions
1. Attend an orientation for prospective group home licensees conducted by Community Care Licensing (CCL). You must contact the CCL office in your area to schedule your attendance at the orientation (See Resources). The orientation session will provide a review of the regulations that govern group home operations and will give you instructions for completing your licensing application. Following the orientation, CCL will send you an application packet with directions for completing your licensing application.
2. Complete the licensing application and supporting documents. The application requires completing the specified forms, a narrative program description and documentation of the information. You will be asked to describe the site where you will operate the group home and you must provide a valid lease or deed of ownership to document your control of the proposed site.
3. Complete a criminal background check on the individual who will represent the corporation as the applicant for the license, usually the corporation's chief executive officer, and for specified group home employees, including any adult responsible for administration or direct staff supervision and any staff person or volunteer who will have contact with clients. The criminal background check requires each individual to submit fingerprints to the Department of Justice using the Livescan system. CCL will also review the state Child Abuse Central Index regarding the applicant and group home staff.
4. Obtain required fire and water clearances for the facility. Ask your local fire department to inspect the premises, make recommendations for any corrections that may be needed and to provide you with an official fire clearance. If your facility uses water from a private source for human consumption, you will also have to arrange for an inspection and bacteriological analysis to verify the safety of the water.
5. Meet with CCL personnel for a preliminary assessment of the application. CCL personnel will review your application and will notify you in writing if it is incomplete or does not comply with licensing regulations. The individual who reviewed the application will meet with you to help you understand what changes are required and to make recommendations for bringing your program into compliance with regulations.
6. Prepare for CCL's pre-licensing visit. CCL personnel will inspect your group home facility to determine if it meets regulatory standards. CCL personnel will examine the physical plant for defects and may make inquiries regarding program implementation. You will be given a written report that includes any corrections that are required prior to licensing. When all corrections have been made, CCL may issue a provisional license or the final license.
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