This week, we decided to discuss a subject that we really care about: insurance for foster families and homes for people with intellectual disabilities. We admire the wonderful work that these people do with people who are beautifully different. We’re proud to help and support them with their insurance matters!
Here is some information concerning insurance for families and homes interested in, or already hosting, people with intellectual disabilities.
Family-type resources for people with intellectual disabilities
There are different intermediate resources and types of facilities that host people of all ages with special needs. All of them, without exception, represent a major source of support for the Quebec health and social service network: “They help increase the provision of services by ensuring suitable accommodation for users that need it in a deinstitutionalized form more closely resembling a natural environment.”*
According to section 311 of the Act Respecting Health Services and Social Services (R.S.Q., c. S-4.2), family-type resources are divided into two categories: foster families and foster homes.
To be recognized as a “foster family”, the following conditions must be met: “One or two persons receiving in their principal place of residence a maximum of nine children in difficulty entrusted to them by a public institution in order to respond to their needs and afford them living conditions fostering a parent-child relationship in a family-like environment.”
To be designated a “foster principal place of residence”, the following conditions must be met: “One or two persons receiving in their principal place of residence a maximum of nine adults or elderly people entrusted to them by a public institution in order to respond to their needs and afford them living conditions as close to a natural environment as possible.”
Both cases involve “remunerated work” (even if we think of it more as a vocation!), just as a self-employed worker or a business, with social benefits such as the QPP, the QPIP, the CSST, vacation pay, etc.
Where does insurance come in?
The Direction des assurances du réseau de la santé et des services sociaux (DARSS/Insurance Department of the Health and Social Service Network) provides insurance coverage for resource families and homes in line with the collective agreements negotiated and signed between the associations representing the IR-FTR and the Ministre de la Santé et des Services Sociaux.
However, it is crucial to understand that this coverage IN NO WAY replaces home or business insurance (depending on the type of resource). In fact, it only serves to reinforce your own insurance, acting as additional coverage, so to speak.
For foster families or homes for people with intellectual disabilities, this additional insurance represents “civil liability” coverage. It also represents coverage for damage that a user might cause to your property and furniture.
For the residents (users), this coverage also provides civil liability protection and personal property protection in the event of damage.
However, the amounts paid out by this coverage in the event of a claim may be woefully insufficient for your needs. That’s why it’s important to call on an independent insurance broker to guide you through the insurance buying process.
Finally
If you want to become a foster family, check with your current insurer to find out whether it’s possible. Not all insurance companies agree to cover this type of activity.
And if you are already a foster family or if you operate a residence, make sure you have the right coverages and sufficient protection amounts to cover you in the event of loss or damage.
At Assurances Multi-Risques, we specialize in insurance for foster families and homes for people with intellectual disabilities. If you have even the most basic question or the slightest doubt, contact one of our specialized brokers! We’ll be happy to guide you in your insurance choices. You will then be able to quickly get back to your activities, because we’ll take care of your insurance matters for you!