New Policy Directives for the Host Family Program in Ontario

• Main Author: Deidre Riordon (Author)
• Format: Book
• Published: McMaster University Library Press, 2017-09-01T00:00:00Z.
• Subjects: article
• Online Access: Connect to this object online.
• Notes: 10.13162/hro-ors.v5i3.2867; 2291-6369
• Keywords: Host Family Program; residential services; developmentally delayed; Public aspects of medicine; RA1-1270
• Source: Health Reform Observer - Observatoire des Réformes de Santé, Vol 5, Iss 3 (2017)

The Host Family Program is a provincially-funded residential accommodation program that offers adults with developmental disabilities the chance to live with people who can provide care, support and supervision in a family setting. Individuals with developmental disabilities tend to be at a greater risk for neglect and abuse, so it is imperative that legislation be in place to prevent this from happening. The Host Family Program implemented new policy requirements in April of 2016 in order to increase the safety and security of the people who are in the care of host families. Following a sentinel event that occurred in 2012 in Ancaster, Ontario, a coroner's inquest was conducted and subsequent jury recommendations were made. From these the Ministry of Community and Social Services developed the new policy directives. While the Host Family Program provides housing accommodations to approximately 1,500 people, there are many other vulnerable individuals in several other residential programs and on waiting lists. It is worrisome that there is currently no distinct and separate policy in place to protect these individuals from harm. The policy directives for the Host Family Program are a step in the right direction by government, but further policy development must be achieved in order to prevent future tragedies.