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A Family-Type Home for Adults (FTHA) is an adult care facility in which an operator provides residential care, personal care and/or supervision services, in the operator's own home, to four or fewer adults who are not related to the operator.
An FTHA provides a home-like living environment. It is a community-integrated and supported housing alternative for dependent adults who cannot live alone any longer due to advanced age, developmental disabilities, or physical or mental health, but who do not require skilled medical or nursing services. With prior approval by the local social services district FTHA coordinator, an FTHA operator may also have two additional "boarders," meaning persons who are independent and who do not need personal care or supervision. It is important to note that adult care facilities with five or more adults who require personal care and/or supervision are regulated by the New York State Department of Health.
- Family-Type Home for Adults Certification Training - Presentation
- Family-Type Home for Adults Recruitment - Video
The Application Process
A prospective operator submits an application to the local social services district. The FTHA coordinator in the local district discusses the application process with the applicant, visits the site of the proposed location of the FTHA, reviews the application and sends it to the OCFS Bureau of Adult Services with a recommendation. If the application is approved, OCFS issues an operating certificate to the applicant. Learn more on How To Apply To Operate an FTHA.
Inspection/Supervision of FTHA
The local district conducts a complete inspection of the FTHA at least once a year. The local district may also conduct other inspections as necessary and issue inspection reports to the operator. Homes that are suspected to be unlicensed FTHAs are also subject to inspection to determine whether FTHA licensure will be required.
Enforcement
OCFS conducts enforcement action, in coordination with the local district if necessary, when licensed or unlicensed operators act in violation of state statutes and regulations.
Role of Bureau of Adult Services
Licensure and operation of an FTHA are governed by state regulations. The role of the Bureau of Adult Services is to:
- Oversee the FTHA program statewide;
- Review and approve or deny applications to operate FTHAs;
- Provide oversight of local district inspection and supervision of FTHA operators;
- Provide technical assistance and training to local district FTHA coordinators/staff and operators;
- Assist local district staff in conducting inspections of FTHAs, licensed and unlicensed, on an as-needed basis;
- Develop and implement revisions to forms, policies and regulations relating to FTHAs;
- Respond to inquiries/complaints about FTHAs and/or the actions of local districts or the state relating to FTHAs;
- Coordinate enforcement activity as needed;
- Review legislative or policy initiatives relating to FTHA; and
- Participate in meetings and workgroups with other agencies and providers relating to FTHAs.