When we think of “Home” we think of a place that is safe, secure, caring, unconditional. We think of our family and our most precious belongings. A home is more than a house, its where we can be ourselves, where we develop lasting relationships and share our lives with the people we call family. As a FAMILY HOME AGENCY, Diverse Journeys believes that people with Intellectual Disabilities should have multiple options to choose from when thinking about where and with whom to live. Our Family Home Services provide individualized humane and caring duplex residential homes that are family centered and client driven, that promotes excellent outcomes for the individual and the family. Join our team as a Family Teacher; Family Mentor or Family Home Manager.
The Family Home Agency (FHA) program model was adopted by the state in 1996 providing Californians with intellectual and developmental disabilities a new way to receive the supports they need. In an FHA program, individuals live in private family homes where they can receive services, form relationships, participate in everyday family activities and be active members of their community. FHA services are a community-based alternative to more traditional care facilities and a welcome solution for families that are seeking quality services for a loved one.
Before FHA programs, most adults who were unable to live independently or with biological family members, found themselves living in more restrictive settings such as institutions, nursing homes, group homes or other settings with limited privacy and opportunities to develop meaningful relationships.
Elements of the Family Home Model
- Teaching Systems: Teaching functional skills and behaviors
- Self Determination: Individual Ownership and development of goals
- Client Advocacy: Promoting and protecting individual rights
- Relationships: Therapeutic Partnerships
- Family Sensitive Approach
- Diversity
- Professionalism: Professional Development
- Family Teachers help form the family unit and have additional family mentors to assist.
- Family Teachers act in the capacity of “family member” serving as ally, mentor and guide.
- The primary mission of the Family teacher is to facilitate the successful emersion of the client into community life.