Resources

Home / Resources
Get Involved

Starting a Group Home for Individuals with FASD

Creating a group home for individuals with Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD) is both challenging and rewarding. It requires careful planning, collaboration with families, compliance with regulations, and sustainable financial support.

This guide consolidates the essential steps and considerations to help you establish a successful and supportive home environment.

Read Our 9-Step Guide

The Nine Essential Steps to Starting a Successful Home

Understand State Requirements
  • Research your state’s licensing requirements for adult family homes (e.g., in Wisconsin, these are limited to four residents).
  • Determine which license category best fits individuals with developmental disabilities.
  • Identify whether your state is disability-friendly or has long waiting lists for Medicaid housing support.
Legal Guardianship
  • Ensure parents or guardians pursue legal guardianship if residents cannot make decisions independently.
  • Confirm Medicaid eligibility early in the process to avoid delays in funding.
Form an Organization
  • Decide whether to form a nonprofit entity or partner with an established organization such as FASD Communities, which already has nonprofit (501(c)(3)) status.
  • Develop a business plan and budget to project startup and ongoing operating costs.

Engage Families & Community
  • Connect with like-minded parents who are willing to contribute financially or through fundraising.
  • Be clear about expectations for family involvement and commitments.
  • Build relationships with potential collaborators (local nonprofits, businesses, universities) and identify possible opposition early.
Community Buy-In
  • Host introductory events, such as community meetings or open houses, to share your mission.
  • Partner with the local Chamber of Commerce and other civic groups to foster acceptance and support.

Choosing a Location
  • Determine whether a rural or urban setting is most appropriate.
  • Rural homes can offer opportunities for farming, animal care, and outdoor activities, while urban settings provide easier access to services and transportation.
Property Requirements
  • Each resident should have a private bedroom.
  • Include a secured office for records and staff use.
  • Install safety features such as cameras, fire extinguishers, and smoke detectors to meet licensing standards.
  • Ensure the home has adequate common areas for living, dining, and recreation.
  • Purchase or lease a vehicle large enough to accommodate residents and staff, with proper insurance coverage.

Establishing Funding Sources
  • Secure contracts with local Managed Care Providers who administer Medicaid funding.
  • Seek donations and grants to cover startup costs such as furniture, household items, and renovations.
  • Organize fundraising efforts with families and community supporters.
  • Consider estate sales, donations, and partnerships for furnishings and supplies.
Ongoing Financial Planning
  • Develop a sustainable budget that covers staffing, insurance, utilities, transportation, and program needs.
  • Plan for long-term fundraising and donor engagement to support residents over time.

Hiring Leadership
  • Recruit an overall manager and a direct care supervisor. Look for individuals who are compassionate and ideally have lived experience (e.g., caring for a family member with disabilities or fostering children).
Direct Care Staff
  • Staff must demonstrate patience, consistency, and understanding of FASD.
  • Provide thorough training in:
    • Trauma-informed care
    • Behavior management and crisis response
    • Medication administration
    • Daily living support skills

  • Create an admissions process that includes detailed applications about residents’ backgrounds and needs.
  • Form a review committee of families and staff to determine the best fit for the home.
  • Consider gender-specific homes to maintain consistency and reduce conflict.
  • Establish a waiting list for future residents.
Daily Living & Programming
  • Develop structured routines with visual supports and reminders.
  • Encourage life skills development (cooking, cleaning, budgeting, transportation use).
  • Engage residents in decision-making so programs feel like “their idea” and increase buy-in.
  • Integrate community activities, employment opportunities, and social engagement.

  • Submit the licensing application and required documentation, including background checks for staff.
  • Develop a comprehensive policies and procedures manual (templates available through FASD Communities).
  • Ensure compliance with labor laws, insurance requirements, and staff-to-resident ratios.
  • Install necessary utilities, internet, phone systems, and security equipment.

  • Complete renovations and furnishing (residents may bring their own beds and personal decorations).
  • Host a community event or housewarming prior to move-in to build goodwill and transparency.
  • Finalize contracts, licensing, and staffing before welcoming residents.
Daily Living & Programming
  • Continuously review and update programs based on resident needs.
  • Foster family involvement through communication and visits.
  • Maintain transparency with community partners and funders.
  • Regularly evaluate staff performance and provide ongoing training.

  • FASD Communities – Offers partnership, consultation, and resources for policy manuals, training, and operations.
  • Chamber of Commerce – Networking, advocacy, and community relations.
  • Local Managed Care Providers – Medicaid contracts and funding pathways.
  • Donor Networks – Community foundations, local businesses, estate sales, and online fundraising.

Starting a group home for individuals with FASD requires dedication, collaboration, and persistence.

By carefully planning, engaging families, building strong community partnerships, and creating a structured yet supportive environment, you can establish a safe and sustainable program that truly serves as a “forever home” for its residents.

FASD Communities is here to help!

Want More Information?

For additional information and insight on starting an FASD Communities home, reach out to us and we’ll be happy to advise and help.  

Contact Us

Recommended Reading

Trying Differently Rather Than Harder

A call to end prenatal alcohol exposure, the top preventable cause of birth defects.

Buy Book

Damaged Angels

A mother’s fight to protect her kids with FASD in a world blind to their invisible disability.

Buy Book

Have a recommendation? Get in touch and tell us about it.

Contact Us