This week, we decided to talk to you about a subject that is particularly close to our hearts: insurance for families and residential homes for people with intellectual disabilities. We admire the wonderful work these people do with individuals who are uniquely different. We are proud to help and support them with their insurance needs!
Here is some information about insurance for families and residences that wish to welcome or are currently welcoming people with intellectual disabilities.
Family-type resources for people with intellectual disabilities
There are various intermediate resources and types of facilities to accommodate people (of all ages) with special needs. Without exception, all of them provide considerable support to Quebec’s health and social services network: “They make it possible to increase service delivery by providing adapted accommodation for users who require it, in a deinstitutionalized setting that is closer to 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 fall into two categories: foster families and foster homes.
The following are considered foster families: “one or two people who take in up to nine children in need at their primary residence, who are entrusted to them by a public institution in order to meet their needs and offer them living conditions that promote a parental relationship in a family setting.”
The following may be recognized as foster homes: “one or two persons who take in, at their primary residence, a maximum of nine adults or elderly persons entrusted to them by a public institution in order to meet their needs and offer them living conditions that are as close as possible to those of a natural environment.”
In both cases, this is considered “paid work” (even though we believe it is more of a vocation!), just as it would be for a self-employed worker or a company, with benefits such as: RRQ, QPIP, CSST, vacation pay, etc.
What about insurance?
The Health and Social Services Network Insurance Branch (DARSS) provides insurance coverage to families and resource residences in accordance with collective agreements negotiated and concluded between associations representing RI-RTFs and the Minister of Health and Social Services.
It is essential to understand that these protections are NOT a substitute for home insurance or business insurance (depending on the type of resource). They are only intended to supplement your own insurance policies, providing additional protection if you wish.
For families or residences that provide care for people with intellectual disabilities, these insurance supplements provide “civil liability” protection. They also provide coverage for damage caused by a user to your property and furniture.
For residents (users), these protections also offer coverage for civil liability and damage to the resident’s personal property.
However, the amounts covered by these policies in the event of a claim may be significantly insufficient for your needs. This is why it is important to have an independent insurance broker assist you with the process.
Finally
If you want to become a host family, check with your current insurer to see if this is possible. Not all insurance companies agree to cover this type of activity.
And if you are already a host family or operate a residence, make sure you have the right coverage and sufficient amounts of coverage to protect you in the event of a claim.
Chez Assurances Multi-Risques, nous sommes des spécialistes dans l’assurance pour familles et résidences d’accueil pour déficients intellectuels. Si vous avez la moindre question ou le moindre doute, contactez l’un de nos courtiers spécialisés ! Nous nous ferons un plaisir de vous guider dans votre recherche d’assurance. Ainsi, vous pourrez retourner rapidement à vos occupations, car vos assurances, on s’en occupe pour vous !