Community Living Service Delivery (CLSD) is a branch of the Income Assistance and Disability Services Division. The main objective of CLSD is to ensure physical, emotional and social needs are met and that people with intellectual disabilities live and function as independently as possible within their own communities. Support and information for parents and guardians of children and adults with intellectual disabilities include the items below.

Employees of CLSD deliver programs and services primarily through an extensive system of community-based social, residential, vocational and early childhood agencies. They work in partnership with provincially-based representatives and advocacy organizations. CLSD is one member of a three-way partnership agreement between the Saskatchewan Association of Rehabilitation Centres and the Saskatchewan Association for Community Living.

Social work staff of Community Living Service Delivery provide direct support to about 3,700 people with intellectual disabilities and their families through:

• Individual client support, counselling and crisis intervention
• Assessment of client and family needs
• Planning with individuals, families and other stakeholders
• Family support services such as counselling, respite planning and funding, information and referrals  
• Development and support of approved private-service homes which are licensed to provide a supportive family living environment for individuals with intellectual disabilities
• Working together with residential and vocational service providers in the community to ensure client needs are being met

Community Living Service Delivery funds approximately 77 community-based organizations which provide residential services to the public in the following areas:

Group homes - homes which are staffed to provide personal care, supervision and support to usually three to six adults with intellectual disabilities. They are located in residential neighbourhoods throughout Saskatchewan.

Group living homes - individuals who share a group living home are responsible for paying their basic shelter costs. Community Living Service Delivery provides funds for the support staff that may be required.

Supportive living programs - provide adults living in their own apartments with the limited support and supervision they may require to live as independently as possible.

Approved Private-service Homes are licensed private homes that provide a family atmosphere for people with intellectual and/or physical disabilities.

North View Home - in Prince Albert provides long term care for five individuals with intellectual disabilities. Attached to this home is a Crisis Support Program that provides outreach supports, education and prevention supports as well as a residential unit that provides two spaces dedicated to crisis support/respite services.

South View Home - in Moose Jaw provides long term care for up to three individuals with intellectual disabilities.

Operated by community-based organizations, day programs supports individuals to develop work, leisure and life skills. Supports are provided to help individuals reach their potential and/or obtain a higher level of independence. Supports may include vocational training, employment experiences, life skills, socialization and recreation. Programs are designed to support the individual needs of the clients they serve. Some are designed for individuals who have limited motor and sensory development. Programming emphasizes basic living skills, socialization and recreation.

Although some activities may be of a productive nature, they are secondary to the primary goal of maximizing an individual's potential in the community setting. Other programs focus on training and production. Clients develop work and social skills until they are able either to reach their potential level of independence or obtain competitive employment. Day programs offer a wide range of program options that range from full-time to part-time and provide opportunities in both centre-based and community-based environments.

For information about day programs in your community please contact your closest Community Living Service Delivery office.

Family Respite Program is a monthly respite benefit based on assessed need and paid to the parent(s) or guardian(s) or eligible children with intellectual disabilities.

The Family Respite Program supports families of eligible children with intellectual disabilities to obtain temporary assistance in caring for their child. The program enables the parent to spend additional time with other family members and engage in other family, personal and household activities that are normally not possible because of the intensive care required by the child with the disability. The availability of respite may impact the potential for a child or children with intellectual disabilities to remain at home and be cared for by family members.

The Approved Private-service Home Program is part of the Community Living Service Delivery. The work is based on the belief that services for people with disabilities should, as much as possible, be provided in the community. Residential services provided in the community include approved private-service homes.

What is an approved private-service home?

An approved private-service home is a licensed private home that provides a family atmosphere for people with intellectual and/or physical disabilities. These homes make it possible for residents to enjoy family living in the community. They also give residents a chance to develop social, recreational and living skills to the extent they are able.

What is expected of a home proprietor?

The proprietor of an approved private-service home must be willing to:

• provide a warm family environment;
• help residents learn some daily living skills;
• provide residents with time for leisure and recreation;
• respect the religious practices of residents;
• help residents manage their money;
• help residents make and keep dental, medical and other appointments;
• make sure prescribed medication is given as ordered by a doctor;
• work with community agencies with which residents are involved;
• help residents keep in contact with their families (visits, letters, cards, etc.);
• provide and encourage a healthy diet and lifestyle;
• assist residents in dealing with their day-to-day concerns and problems;
• keep accurate financial and medical records for each resident;
• share information with Community Living staff as required; and
• understand and respect the need to keep information about residents confidential.

When and how much are private-service home proprietors paid?

Proprietors are paid each month for caring for the people in their home. The amount they are paid depends upon the level of care and support each resident needs.

How do I become licensed?

Approved private-service homes are licensed under The Residential Services Act and the Approved Private-service Homes Regulations. To become licensed you must:

• complete an application;
• take part in a homestudy process which includes all members of your family who live in your home;
• go through a police records check (only those in the home who over 18 years of age); and
• provide a list of references

The home you wish to have licensed must be your principal residence. It must meet provincial health and fire regulations. If all of the licensing requirements are met and there is a need for private-service homes in your area, your home will be licensed.