Section 115.520  Program Requirements

Maximum emphasis is to be placed on the needs and requests of the individual with developmental disabilities who is under consideration to receive host family services.

a)         The CILA agency is responsible for assessing potential host family caregivers' capabilities to provide appropriate services to individuals with developmental disabilities.

b)         The CILA agency shall ensure that all host family caregivers are either employed by or have a signed contract with the licensed CILA agency.

c)         The CILA agency shall ensure that the primary caregiver is at least 21 years of age.

d)         The CILA agency shall conduct criminal background checks on all other persons living in the home of the host family who are age 16 or older.

e)         The CILA agency shall ensure that host family members are not relatives or guardians of the individuals with developmental disabilities for whom they provide services.

f)         The CILA agency shall ensure that host families do not also provide foster care services to children. Waivers may be requested for long-standing relationships as children age out of DCFS programs. The intent of such waivers is to provide uninterrupted services to successful, current family arrangements. Waiver requests will be reviewed through on-site observations and interviews to determine that both the site and the program meet requirements as specified in this Part and are in the best interest of the person with developmental disabilities.  The Department reserves the right to deny any such waiver requests.

g)         The CILA agency shall ensure that at least one member of the host family has a current driver's license with a safe driving record; a vehicle to accommodate the needs of the person with developmental disabilities; and automobile insurance with at least minimum coverage as required by the State of Illinois.  This requirement may be waived by the Department if the family has access to and uses public transportation and public transportation is appropriate for the individual.

h)         The CILA agency shall ensure that persons under contract as host family members who engage in additional employment or contract work commit the resources necessary (including time and energy) to meet the requirements of this Part in providing services and supports for individuals.  In doing so, the CILA agency must ensure that:

1)         In situations where the host family encompasses only one responsible adult, that adult may not engage in additional employment or contract work without the knowledge of the CILA agency.

2)         In situations where the host family encompasses more than one responsible adult, the primary caregiver may not engage in additional employment or contract work without the knowledge of the CILA agency.

3)         The primary caregiver has demonstrated that he or she can be available in the event an individual unexpectedly requires support, e.g., becomes ill, etc.

i)          CILA agencies must ensure that caregivers who provide a preponderance of care furnish services and supports that ensure the individual's general welfare.

j)          The CILA agency shall have a plan and arrangements for providing relief for employees and contractual workers who have responsibility more than eight consecutive hours or five consecutive days for individuals receiving CILA services and shall have evidence of implementation of the plan and arrangements.  This plan shall comply with federal and State labor laws and shall provide recognition of the need for relief in host family model settings.

(Source:  Amended at 47 Ill. Reg. 8485, effective May 31, 2023)