About SFC
History
Historically in West Virginia, as in many other states, individuals with intellectual or developmental disabilities were hospitalized and institutionalized in state facilities. Following major national movements to improve the rights of individuals with disabilities and a significant state lawsuit (Medley v. Ginsberg), in 1981, the West Virginia Departments of Health, Education, and Human Services, and Shawnee Hills Health/Mental Retardation Center, began working together to develop a statewide program of community based services to make it possible for persons with intellectual and/or developmental disabilities to move from state facilities into community settings.
The Specialized Family Care Program is one of the community-based services that were developed to aid in the movement to de-institutionalize. It became a viable housing option for those individuals.
Over the last 43 years, Specialized Family Care has become a recognized placement option for people who do not require intensive services offered by group homes and nursing facilities. SFC is also an option for those persons whose families are no longer able to care for them, but want their loved ones to remain in a family setting.
This program is an interagency collaboration between the West Virginia Department of Health & Human Resources and the West Virginia University Center for Excellence in Disabilities. The SFC Program is funded under an agreement with the West Virginia Department of Health & Human Resources, Bureau for Children & Families.
SFC Facts
- Specialized Family Care has been in place since 1981.
- There are over 185 Specialized Family Care Providers statewide. More provider homes are needed across the state.
- Over 110 Specialized Family Care Providers have at least one person in placement.
- Approximately 75 families provide services on a part-time or temporary basis (like weekends or evenings) to a person who lives with their natural family or in another SFC home.
- There are approximately 30 children in placement in SFC homes across the state.
- The average age of the SFC Providers is 56 years old.
- One person has been in placement with the same family for over 34 years and several others over 30.
- Over 100 people have been in placement with the same family for 10 years or more.
- The Specialized Family Care Program is one of the community-based services that were developed to aid in the movement to de-institutionalize. It became a viable housing option for those individuals.