Associate Families

What is an Associate Family?  

An Associate Family is a family in the community that houses and provides care to adults with varying degrees of intellectual disabilities or Autism.   

Associate Families create a supportive and safe home for adults who require support with living skills, personal decision making, and additional needs depending on the individual. They encourage independent living skills and help to enhance community involvement and inclusion for the individual.  

Becoming an Associate Family can be a unique and rewarding experience, and provides the opportunity to build meaningful connections and contribute positively to the wellbeing and development of others. 

Individuals living with Associate Families are clients of the AccessAbility Supports program.  

What support is offered to an Associate Family?  

Associate Families are funded through the AccessAbility Supports program. Associate Family caregiver funding is based on the unique support needs and work or day programming schedule of the client(s) living in their home. AccessAbility Support Coordinators work with clients, the Associate Family and day programing providers to develop a plan of support that meets the needs of the client and the Associate Family.  

Who monitors the Associate Family program?

The Associate Family Program is monitored by four non-governmental organizations (NGOs) in Prince Edward Island. They recruit families, assess the home and family, identify clients appropriate for an Associate Family living arrangement, connect families and clients, monitor placements, as well as offer support and guidance.

The NGOs that provide Associate Family Monitoring Services are: 

• Queens County Residential Services (Queens Region) 
• Community Connections Inc (Summerside)
• Community Inclusions (West Prince)
• Inclusions East (Eastern PEI) 

How can I get more information?  

If you’re interested in learning more about the program or starting the application process to become an Associate Family, please connect with the NGO monitoring the services in your community.  

General inquiries about Associate Families can be directed to the Manager of Residential Services at residentialservices@ihis.org.