Creating Safe Homes. Building Meaningful Connections.
Sponsored Residential Services for Children & Adolescents with Developmental Disabilities
At Karter’s Legacy Healing Pathways, we believe every child deserves a safe, nurturing, and family-centered home where they can grow, learn, and thrive.
Our Sponsored Residential Program connects children and adolescents with developmental disabilities to carefully screened and trained sponsor families who provide a stable home environment while receiving ongoing support from our agency.
Our goal is to help children experience meaningful relationships, community inclusion, emotional support, and individualized care in a family setting rather than a more restrictive environment.
What Is Sponsored Residential?
Sponsored Residential is a waiver-funded service that allows a child or adolescent with developmental disabilities to live in a private family home with a trained sponsor provider. Sponsors become an important part of the individual's support system by providing daily guidance, supervision, encouragement, and a family-like environment. Karter’s Legacy Healing Pathways serves as the sponsoring agency, providing oversight, training, monitoring, and support to ensure both the individual and sponsor family receive the resources they need to succeed.
Who Qualifies?
Children and adolescents may qualify if they:
✔ Have a developmental disability diagnosis
✔ Are enrolled in a Virginia Developmental Disability Waiver Program
✔ Require residential support in a family-based setting
✔ Would benefit from a stable, supportive home environment
✔ Need assistance developing independence, social skills, and daily living skills
✔ Have support needs that can safely be met in a sponsor home
Placement decisions are made through the individual's Support Coordinator, family, and service planning team.
Become a Sponsor Provider
Sponsor providers open their homes and hearts to children and adolescents who need a supportive living environment.
As a sponsor, you provide:
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A safe and welcoming home
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Daily supervision and support
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Emotional encouragement and mentorship
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Assistance with community participation
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Transportation to appointments and activities as needed
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Collaboration with the support team
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Documentation and communication regarding the individual's progress
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Advocacy for the individual's goals, rights, and well-being
No previous experience is required. Karter’s Legacy Healing Pathways provides training, guidance, and ongoing support.
What Support Do Sponsors Receive?
We are committed to helping sponsors feel confident and supported every step of the way.
Sponsors receive:
✔ Initial and ongoing training
✔ Dedicated agency support
✔ Regular home visits and monitoring
✔ Assistance with service planning
✔ Guidance during challenges or transitions
✔ Access to agency resources and educational opportunities
✔ 24/7 emergency support
✔ Monthly reimbursement through approved waiver funding
Our team works closely with sponsors to ensure they have the tools, resources, and support needed to provide quality care.
Funding & Financial Support
Sponsored Residential services are funded through Virginia's Developmental Disability Waiver Programs.
Funding includes:
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Sponsor reimbursement payments
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Residential support services
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Care coordination
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Behavioral and clinical supports when authorized
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Additional waiver-funded services based on individual needs
Funding eligibility and reimbursement rates are determined through the individual's approved waiver and service authorization.
Our Mission
To provide compassionate, family-centered residential support that promotes stability, dignity, personal growth, and meaningful community inclusion for children and adolescents with developmental disabilities.
We are dedicated to building lasting relationships that empower individuals to reach their fullest potential while supporting families and sponsors throughout their journey.
Our Family-Centered Philosophy
At Karter’s Legacy Healing Pathways, we believe the best outcomes happen when children are supported by caring relationships.
Our approach focuses on:
Respect
Every child is valued, heard, and treated with dignity.
Inclusion
Individuals are encouraged to participate fully in their homes, schools, and communities.
Individualization
Supports are tailored to each child's unique strengths, goals, and needs.
Partnership
Families, sponsors, support coordinators, and service providers work together as a team.
Growth
We help children build confidence, life skills, independence, and meaningful connections. We recognize that every child deserves not only services—but a sense of belonging.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between Sponsored Residential and a Group Home?
Sponsored Residential provides support in a private family home with a trained sponsor provider, creating a more personalized family-like environment. Group homes typically serve multiple individuals in a staffed residential setting.
Can family members become sponsors?
In some situations, family members may be eligible to serve as sponsors depending on waiver requirements and approval guidelines.
Do sponsors receive compensation?
Yes. Approved sponsors receive reimbursement through authorized waiver-funded services.
What training is required?
Sponsors complete orientation and ongoing training covering health and safety, individual rights, incident reporting, documentation, emergency preparedness, and other required topics.
What ages do you serve?
Karter’s Legacy Healing Pathways serves children and adolescents with developmental disabilities.
How often does the agency provide support?
Our team provides regular monitoring visits, ongoing communication, training, and support to both the sponsor and the individual receiving services.
How do I get started?
Contact us to learn more about becoming a sponsor provider or to discuss placement opportunities for a child or adolescent in need of Sponsored Residential services.
Ready to Learn More?
Whether you're seeking placement services or interested in becoming a sponsor provider, our team is here to help.
Complete the form below and we'll contact you within 1–2 business days.