Become a Family Care Provider
Supporting Adults with Developmental Disabilities in Your Home

Open your home to an adult with developmental disabilities, build a meaningful long-term relationship, and earn supplemental income with full training and professional support.
Serving Cattaraugus & Niagara Counties in New York.

Start the 2-Minute Provider Quiz to See If You Qualify

Interested in Learning More First?

Join our Family Care Provider Information Session to learn how the program works and ask questions.

📅 March 31, 2026
⏰ 5:30–6:30 PM
📍 1010 Wayne Street, Olean

At this session, you’ll learn:

• What the Family Care Program is
• Who can become a provider
• Certification requirements
• Compensation and support

Who This Is For

  • Adults or families willing to welcome an adult with developmental disabilities into their home
  • People seeking meaningful, long-term caregiving — not shift work
  • Those open to building a family-style relationship
  • Individuals with stable housing and income 

Who This is NOT For

✘ People seeking services or placement
✘ Senior care, nursing home, or home health roles
✘ Hourly, shift-based caregiving jobs
✘ Anyone looking for short-term arrangements

Our trained Family Care team reviews eligibility to ensure the best matches.

Help an Adult With Developmental Disabilities Thrive in a Supportive Home

As a Family Care Provider, you open your home to an adult with developmental disabilities who is ready to live in a family-style setting instead of a residential facility.
 
You provide daily support, companionship, and structure, while helping them grow, build independence, and stay connected to their community.

What You Receive as a Provider

  • Supplemental monthly compensation (varies by level of support)
  • Equipment and supply support through OPWDD
  • Care takes place in your home
  • Extensive initial training and annual updates
  • Ongoing support from a Home Liaison, Nurse, and Psychologist

How to Get Started as a Family Care Provider

Step 1: Conversation & Home Visit

We begin with a relaxed visit to learn about you, your home, and your interests. This is a chance to ask questions and see if the program feels like the right fit.

Step 2: Application & Home Safety Review

You’ll complete a certification application and schedule a home safety review. Our team will guide you through every requirement.

Step 3: Background Checks & Training

All adult household members complete required New York State background checks. Once approved, you’ll complete training and begin the matching process.

You are never navigating this alone. Our team supports you at every step.

 

Additional requirements include:

  • Employer and personal reference checks
  • Finger prints
  • Proof of adequate household income
  • Physician approval
  • Completion of required training
We help you complete each requirement, so there are no surprises!

Benefits of Becoming a Family Care Provider

Supplemental Income

Receive consistent monthly compensation while making a difference.

Meaningful Impact

Witness growth, independence, and milestones firsthand.

Professional Support

Access to a dedicated team for guidance, coordination, and problem-solving.

Community Engagement

Help an adult with disabilities participate in daily life, activities, and meaningful connections.

Frequently Asked Questions About the Family Care Program

Adults with developmental disabilities who are stable and ready to live in a family-style home environment. They typically attend day programming or work outside the home during the day.

 

Yes. Most providers work full- or part-time. The Family Care Program cannot be your main source of income. The individuals usually attend programming during the day, and sitter service funding may be available for hours when the person is not working or at the day program.  

Yes. All providers receive extensive initial training and ongoing annual updates. Training includes instruction about treatment regimens, elements, recovery support options, recovery concepts, and medication education specified in the Individual Service Plan and shall include updates, as necessary, to safely sustain the participant at home and in the community.   

Each provider is part of a professional team, including a Home Liaison, Nurse, and Psychologist, who provide guidance, answer questions, and offer resources.

No. OPWDD provides anything required for care. 

Hear From Some of Our Current Family Care Providers

"Being a Family Care Provider has enriched my home and family while giving someone the support and love they deserve. It’s been a truly rewarding experience."
John Doe

Ready to Learn More?

If you’ve been looking for a meaningful way to make a difference from your own home, this may be the right opportunity for you.

Take our quick quiz to see if becoming a Family Care Provider is right for you. Quiz answers are confidential.

Take the First Step Toward Becoming a Family Care Provider

Contact Terri Gilbert, Director of Residential – Community Services

Phone: (716) 375-4730, ext. 1630

Email: tgilbert@intandem.org