Developmental homes
Helping individuals with disabilities reach their full potential
The mission of Casa de los Niños’ Developmental Home Program is to promote independence and growth for individuals with disabilities, empowering them to strive to reach their full potential. When you become a licensed Developmental Home Provider, you welcome a child or adult with disabilities (such as autism, cerebral palsy, seizure disorders, or cognitive delay) into your household. These individuals bring their own unique needs, qualities, and circumstances, and become part of your family.
This program serves families across Pima, Cochise and Santa Cruz counties.
How we support our developmental home providers
Casa de los Niños has over 10 years of experience successfully placing individuals in supportive Developmental Homes. We are committed to making your journey successful by ensuring you always have the help you need:
Your support network includes:
- 24/7 emergency support: Access to a Family Support Specialist available 24/7 to assist with any emergencies or urgent needs.
- Expert guidance: Friendly and knowledgeable staff who will personally guide you through the licensing process.
- System navigation: Direct assistance with navigating the complex service systems to ensure members receive all available services in their home.
- Ongoing education: Opportunities for ongoing, specialized training to build your skills.
- Community connection: Connect with other Developmental Home families at special events and activities throughout the year, plus access to our Foster Parent Support Groups.
- Financial & practical assistance: Receive reimbursement for room & board and habilitation, and access to respite care services.
Basic requirements to be a licensed provider
Here is what you need to begin your journey to become a Child or Adult Developmental Home Provider:
Personal qualifications
- Be 21 years of age or older.
- Provide documentation of income that adequately supports the needs of your own family.
- Have employment that is compatible with the individual's supervision needs and schedule.
- Complete a home study with CDLN’s developmental home specialist.
Safety & background checks
- Be fingerprinted and complete a criminal background check.
- Clear a Child/Adult Protective Services check.
- Submit a physician’s statement certifying your physical and emotional health.
- Maintain a license in good standing according to state and CDLN requirements.
Home & vehicle requirements
- Have adequate bedroom space in your home for the individual.
- Have adequate transportation and provide proof of: Driver's license, insurance, and registration.
- The home must pass an inspection for safety and sanitation:
- Smoke detectors must be present in every bedroom.
- Any body of water 18″ or deeper (pool/Jacuzzi) must be properly fenced.
- Guns must be locked separate from ammunition.
- Provide proof of rabies vaccination for all dogs in the home.
Required training
To ensure you are fully prepared, all providers must complete the following specialized training:
- CPR/First Aid Certification
- CDH/ADH specific training: 20 hours of specialized DDD (Division of Developmental Disabilities) training for both Child (CDH) and Adult (ADH) providers.
- Foster Parent College: 30 hours of training.
- Renewal training: 10 hours of ongoing training for license renewals.
Are you interested in becoming a foster parent?
Casa de los Niños will host a meet & greet on the fourth Tuesday of every month from 5:00 PM – 7:00 PM. Where you can ask questions and learn more about the process.
Holiday schedule for meet and greets: November 18th, 2025, and December 16th, 2025.
We welcome single and two-parent families and have no restrictions based on religious beliefs, ethnicity, or sexual orientation. We provide extensive support to families who are raising relative children.
