Our developmental home licensing program helps individuals and families apply for and maintain a license to care for adults with developmental disabilities in Arizona. Family Partners is a trusted agency working closely with the Arizona Division of Developmental Disabilities (DDD) to support both new and experienced or transferring providers.
Our adult developmental home services seek to create vibrant, supportive environments where individuals can learn, socialize, and have fun. Providers must commit to building a structured environment featuring engaging activities and designed to promote personal growth, develop social skills, and build confidence.
When an adult with a developmental disability desires to move out of their family home or aging parents are seeking an out-of-home placement for their adult child, choosing the right residential setting is crucial.
Many families explore group homes, but more and more are turning to Adult Developmental Homes (ADH) as a personalized, compassionate alternative.
ADH placements allow adults to live in licensed family homes with trained caregivers who provide 24/7 support in a stable, home-like environment. At Family Partners, we help families throughout Arizona find the right ADH placement where their loved one can thrive.
An Adult Developmental Home (ADH) is a licensed private residence where a trained care provider offers full-time support to up to three adults with developmental disabilities. These homes are approved by the State of Arizona and monitored by State and Family Partners employees. Foster care for special needs adults offers a safe, nurturing environment that blends support, structure, and independence.
24/7 care from a consistent, trained caregiver
Daily routines tailored to the individual’s needs
Skill-building and community integration opportunities
Safe, family-style living environment
Adult Developmental Homes (ADH) are available for adults (18 and older) who are eligible for services through Arizona’s Division of Developmental Disabilities (DDD). This includes individuals with:
Intellectual or developmental disabilities
Autism spectrum disorder
Cerebral palsy
Epilepsy
Family Partners can help assess eligibility and walk you through every step of the placement process.
For adults who need daily assistance but benefit from a calm, consistent setting, ADH placements offer the best of both worlds — professional care in a real home. These homes are ideal for individuals who may feel overwhelmed in group homes or who thrive with close, individualized attention.
More consistent, one-on-one support
Greater emotional stability and personal connection
Opportunities to build independence at a comfortable pace
Instead of support being provided in a group home by hourly employees who tend to have high turnover causing disruptions to care and the daily routine, support is provided by the licensed single provider or married providers leading to better outcomes for the individual placed.
Each ADH provider works with the adult’s support team to build a customized care plan — ensuring that services align with the person’s goals and preferences.
To become a licensed developmental home provider through Family Partners and Arizona DDD, applicants must meet the following requirements:
Be 21 years of age or older
All household members must agree to participate as a provider family
Be of honest and reputable character
Have available space in your home
All adults must undergo fingerprinting and background checks through the Department of Public Safety and Adult Protective Services
Submit a physician’s statement and any required medical tests
Have sufficient income or financial resources to meet family needs
Complete all required training and participate in a home study interview
Maintain reliable transportation with insurance and registration
Authorize all necessary background and medical release forms
These steps are essential to ensure that providers can meet the needs of individuals with developmental disabilities placed in their homes.
When applying to become a provider, you’ll have input into the type of placement you prefer — child or adult, male or female, and other key traits. Family Partners carefully considers your strengths, home environment, and preferences when matching you with an individual. Our goal is always long-term compatibility and success for both provider and client.
Once a placement is made into the home, the provider will receive a daily payment to cover room and board costs plus compensation for the habilitation training that is provided to increase the individual’s independent living skills. The payment is considered non-taxable income and is paid twice per month via direct deposit.
Family Partners goes above and beyond to provide initial and ongoing training and professional development opportunities to our licensed Developmental Home Providers to ensure the best possible care for children and adults placed.
Each provider is assigned a Licensing Specialist who acts as both a guide and an advocate. They ensure licensing standards are maintained, training is up to date, and you feel supported. Monthly home visits, assistance at team meetings, and help resolving issues are all part of our commitment to your success as a provider.
Developmental Home providers are expected to:
Provide a clean, furnished bedroom (with specific rules on room sharing
Meet the health, safety, and nutritional needs of the individual
Include the individual in all family routines and activities
Foster personal relationships or protect against harm and exploitation
Support the individual’s religious freedom and personal interests
Provide reliable transportation to school, therapies, medical care, meaningful day services and/or employment
Encourage hygiene, social skills, and appropriate attire
Maintain detailed paperwork and attend planning meetings
Uphold the rights of the individual and advocate for their well-being
These expectations ensure the individual receives comprehensive, compassionate care in a safe and supportive home.
Family Partners ensures that all licensed providers receive comprehensive training and unmatched support. Our Developmental Home Specialists work closely with providers and individuals to maintain high standards of care, help with transitions, and build lasting relationships.
We also offer an incentive bonus for currently licensed providers who transfer to Family Partners:
$500 bonus for transferring providers without current placements
$1,000 bonus per individual for transferring providers with current placements
Join our community and discover a place of friendship and growth. Contact us to learn more about our adult developmental home services today.
Becoming a licensed provider is a meaningful commitment. If you’re not ready to open your home, there are other ways to support individuals with developmental disabilities:
Volunteer at events or organizations
Become a licensed respite provider
Become a CASA (Court Appointed Special Advocate)
Serve as a surrogate parent for a child in foster care
Join the Foster Care Review Board
Every action makes a difference.
