Resources – Community Living Cuts
Last updated: November 2010 - Please also see BC CLAG website for updates
Representation Agreement
A Representation Agreement can empower parents/relatives to act on behalf of an individual. It is very easy and worthwhile thing to do and only costs $50.00 to register. CLBC cannot exclude an authorized representative from any meeting or decision concerning the individual.
Find more information on Representation Agreements here
CLBC Complaints policy
Anyone can challenge a CLBC decision by filing a formal complaint. CLBC is required to respond, although this may or may not result in satisfactory resolution. CLBC's Complaints Resolution Policy includes links to external processes where you can appeal if your concerns remain unresolved. and how to file a formal complaint if you disagree with a CLBC decision can be found here.
Find Complaints forms, Fact Sheets in multiple languages and links to other CLBC policies here .
Advocate for Service Quality
Jane Holland , the Advocate for Service Quality, works for adults with developmental disabilities served by CLBC.
Find out more about her role and how to contact her for assistance here.
Reports & Stats:
Exploring Housing Options for People with Developmental Disabilities in BC
This 2009 research report was produced by the BC Non-profit Housing Association of BC, at the request of a CLBC Housing Working Group. It includes useful data on needs and gaps, and on the challenges associated with the informal residential models that CLBC is now pursuing in its "one-size-fits-all" approach to cut costs. Read the report
Queenswood review of the CLBC Service Delivery Model
In 2006-07, the Province undertook a $2 million "Residential Options" review to try to convince group home residents to voluntarily leave their group homes for more informal placements like home sharing. The response was a resounding No! So the province commissioned this external report in 2008 to advise on what else it could try to close group homes and reduce costs of residential care. The Queenswood report essentially advised waiting for existing group home residents to die, while directing new clients to cheaper options. The section starting on Page 95 (PDF page 109) is particularly illuminating. Read the report
Home Sharing: A review of current practice and policy with recommendations
This 2008 report by UBC's Community Living Research Project identified challenges, risks and limitations in the home sharing model that CLBC and Minister Coleman are pushing to replace group homes. Read the report
CLBC's Residential Options Project: Phase One Report
This June 2007 report outlines the results of CLBC's $2 million program to meet with all existing group home residents to try to convince them to voluntarily move into cheaper residential options. The response was a resounding No! Phase II of the project (interviewing the rest of the adults living in cheaper CLBC-funded housing alternatives to see if they would prefer to move) has never taken place as promised. Read the report
Residential Options for Adults with Developmental Disabilities
This 2006 review of existing literature and studies was undertaken by UBC's Community Living Research Project to compare relative costs and outcomes for different residential models (group homes, home share etc). The study concluded that the experience of other jurisdictions shows informal models like home sharing offer no savings over group homes when you compare situations involving individuals with similar needs and abilities. (In other words, any savings offered by home sharing would have to come from reducing support levels, which means significantly more risks). Read the report
Stats: BC investing a declining share in Community Living
These stats illustrate that BC is spending less on community living than most other North American jurisdictions, relative to our income base. They also show that the proportion spent in the province has been declining, while US spending increased, even under the fiscally-conservative former Bush administration. See more