Since the January 2025 Coroner’s inquest into the 2018 death of Florence Girard, CLBC has been working on a response to the jury recommendations, and most appropriate path forward with input from self-advocates, families and service providers.
CLBC welcomes the recommendations, and their emphasis on proactive oversight, transparent standards and strengthened safeguards in the home sharing program. CLBC’s response to the recommendations is now available as well as a plain language version. Highlights of steps taken to date include:
- Implementing a new information management system, designed to improve access to information, reporting and service coordination.
- Increasing the compensation rate for home sharing coordinators by over 10%.
- Beginning to work with sector partners on assessing caseload rates and whether funding adjustments are required.
- Launching a pilot program for risk-based, unannounced visits to home share providers that will be expanded province wide.
- Working with the sector to continue to assess further home sharing provider training needs, in addition to the range of resources currently available.
Regarding the inquest recommendation to increase compensation for home sharing providers, this is currently under review; CLBC is legally required to deliver a balanced budget, and more than 93% of its budget goes directly to fund services for adults with developmental disabilities. The remaining budget is invested in the systems, oversight, and quality assurance functions that ensure services are safe, effective, and continuously improving.
Next steps – Continuing to Strengthen the Home Share Program
On June 2 the Ministry of Social Development and Poverty Reduction announced a review to assess safety in home sharing arrangements, and how the program is functioning since changes made after Florence’s death in 2018. In parallel, CLBC will be working closely with self-advocates, families, service providers, and agencies to explore how the home sharing model can be further improved. This collaborative work will include opportunities for meaningful input, such as a public survey launching in summer 2025. Questions about this process, which is still being developed, can be directed to CLBCInfo@gov.bc.ca.
The goal is to modernize and strengthen the home sharing model to ensure it supports safety, autonomy, and meaningful quality of life outcomes for individuals receiving services.
Actioning Change for Home Sharing
The feedback gathered through this ongoing collaborative process, alongside the findings from the Ministry-led review, will help inform the development of comprehensive actions to guide the future of the home sharing program.
CLBC envisions a home sharing model that balances autonomy, growth, and self-determination for individuals with safeguards that reflect the important roles of families and support networks.
CLBC’s home sharing program supports over 4,000 individuals across the province and aligns with Article 19 of the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities.
More information
Families and individuals who currently receive funded services through CLBC are encouraged to reach out to a CLBC facilitator if they have questions about home sharing. More information about feedback opportunities, including a survey, will be available in summer 2025. Those who have further questions can contact CLBCInfo@gov.bc.ca.
