Section 115.560  Number of Individuals Living in Host Family Settings

a)         No more than six persons, including members of the host family and individuals with developmental disabilities, may reside in a single site.

b)         This number shall include extended family members who routinely and continually visit the home for support. Examples may include preschool children such as grandchildren, nieces or nephews who stay during the working hours of their parents/guardians, sons or daughters who routinely return from college on weekends, and persons who move to the setting at a later date.

c)         The CILA agency may request a waiver of subsection (a) to allow up to eight persons to reside in a single site, inclusive of the number of individuals with developmental disabilities.  The process for submission and review of waiver requests is as follows:

1)         A request packet must be compiled by the licensed CILA agency and submitted to the appropriate Department representative.

2)         The Department will make final decisions on waiver requests.

3)         The request packet must include a description of the waiver being requested; information substantiating the appropriateness of the waiver; and a proposed Implementation Strategy incorporating the waiver.  If the waiver impacts more than one individual served, an Implementation Strategy must be included for each individual involved.

4)         The request packet must be approved and signed by the appropriate QIDP and executive director, or by an authorized Department representative.

5)         The CILA provider must complete and submit a standardized application form for waiver requests as well as include supporting documents.  If an application is incomplete, the Department shall notify the applicant of the status.

6)         The Department will conduct a site visit or visits to review the home, meet the host family, and meet and observe the individuals served prior to the approval of any waiver of the requirements of subsection (a).

7)         The Department will consider whether the requested waiver provides for the individual's general well-being, safety, choices, and service needs in making a determination of whether to grant the requested waiver.

d)         Completed requests for waivers will be responded to within 30 calendar days after receipt by the Department. If an on-site visit is deemed necessary prior to making a determination regarding the waiver request, the Department will respond within 60 calendar days after receipt of the request.

e)         The Department reserves the right to deny any waiver requests.

(Source:  Amended at 47 Ill. Reg. 8485, effective May 31, 2023)