The British Columbia government has initiated a comprehensive review of its home-sharing program — a vital service that supports thousands of adults with developmental disabilities by matching them with care providers in private homes. The move follows growing concerns about oversight, accountability, and consistency in the delivery of care across the province.
The review, announced by the Ministry of Social Development and Poverty Reduction, is being led by Community Living BC (CLBC), the Crown agency responsible for delivering services to adults with developmental disabilities. The agency will work with stakeholders, including self-advocates, families, service providers, and Indigenous communities, to evaluate how the system can be improved to better meet the needs of participants.
“This program plays an essential role in helping individuals with developmental disabilities live meaningful, connected lives in their communities,” said Minister Sheila Malcolmson. “It’s our responsibility to ensure the system is working well and evolving to meet the needs of the people it serves.”
B.C.’s home-sharing model has been in place for nearly two decades and currently supports more than 4,000 individuals. Under this model, adults with developmental disabilities live in the homes of contracted caregivers who provide daily support and assistance tailored to each individual’s needs.
However, advocacy groups and some families have raised concerns about inconsistencies in caregiver training, oversight, and living conditions, citing a lack of province-wide standards and regular inspections. Others have pointed to the challenges home-share providers face in receiving adequate support and fair compensation for the complex care they often deliver.
The review will explore key areas such as:
Quality and consistency of care
Monitoring and oversight practices
Training and support for caregivers
Cultural safety and inclusion for Indigenous individuals
Matching and placement processes
Self-advocates — individuals with lived experience of developmental disabilities — will play a central role in the process, ensuring that the voices of those directly affected are heard and valued.
CLBC CEO Ross Chilton emphasized that the goal is not only to identify gaps but to build a stronger, more person-centered model of support: “Home sharing can be an incredibly successful and enriching experience when done right. This review will help ensure we’re setting everyone — individuals and providers — up for success.”
The province is also encouraging public feedback through community consultations and online surveys, with findings expected to guide policy changes and funding allocations in the coming year.
This initiative is part of B.C.’s broader effort to modernize developmental services and improve outcomes for individuals with disabilities. As the review unfolds, families and advocacy groups hope it leads to more transparency, greater consistency, and stronger safeguards across the system.
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