Family Home Provider/Respite Provider

As a contract provider with Southwest Center, the candidate for Family Home Provider must complete the application and certification process.

The home study process consists of up to three (3) visits/interviews (sometimes more) for family home providers in their homes. The home study or provider certification process certifies a particular home and approves providers who do respite in their homes. The process ensures that a provider would be a good match for this type of employment and can provide a safe and enjoyable environment for the individuals we support. Providers must be willing to help and advocate for them to reach personal goals with dignity and respect. 

Explanation of the Home Study Process:
To be approved, Southwest Center must conduct a home study. The purpose of the home study is to determine the following: 

• All household members would welcome an individual into your home.
• You possess the qualifications to be a home and/or respite provider.
• That household members have the ability to accept the Individual's existing relationships with family, friends, and significant others.
• That household members have established constructive relationships outside the family and within the family.
• That household members are certified in writing by a licensed physician to be free of physical or mental health problems that would affect their ability to provide necessary care to an individual placed in your home.
• Standards of housekeeping and cleanliness are acceptable.
• Physical standards of the home are those generally accepted as necessary for health and safety.
• The home's water supply and sanitation comply with all local health and safety requirements.
• Recreation space is available and well suited to the age and needs of the Individual.
• The home is accessible to the community resources that the Individual requires, such as schools, churches, etc.
• The home supports the continuity of the relationship for the anticipated duration of the Individual's placement.
• Household members understand the terms of placement under the program.
• Household members will accept supervision by Southwest Center Regarding the care of an Individual placed in the home.
• The FHP supports communication with alt members of an individual team on a regularly scheduled basis and as needed.

A home is selected for a particular individual based on its suitability for the individual and family, considering the extent to which the household members' interests, strengths, abilities, and needs enable them to understand, accept, and provide for the individual's needs. 

The process task list:

• Complete agency application
• Provide verification of US citizen as needed for the I-9 form
• Physician's verification signed by a physician for the family
• TB Risk Assessment & TB skin test or CXR within 30 days of starting services
• Copy of driver's licenses for all household members responsible for transporting individuals
• Have a criminal background check through the KARES system for all household members who are 18 years or older
• Copy of social security card
• Provide proof of automobile insurance
• Complete drug screen

Other background checks may be required such as motor vehicles report. 

Our staff will work with you to complete the required training provided during the home study and in-person classes.