AL Blog

What Is a Resident Sponsor / Sponsored Residential Provider in Virginia?

A resident sponsor, in the context of disability services, is an individual or family that opens their home to provide residential supports and services to one or more persons with intellectual or developmental disabilities (ID/DD). The model emphasizes a more family-oriented, community-integrated living environment rather than institutional or large group settings.

In Virginia, “Sponsored Residential Service” is codified under state regulations (12VAC30-122-530) as part of the Community Living (CL) waiver, and is also regulated by DBHDS (Department of Behavioral Health & Developmental Services) under licensing rules (12VAC35-105).

Why would a person want to live with a Resident Sponsor?

This residential model offers a balance between independence and support. The key advantages include:

• Person-centered living: the individual has more opportunities for choice and deeper integration in a family home setting.

• Smaller scale: with fewer residents per home (commonly up to two persons in Virginia) there is more individualized attention.

• Skill development: supports include skill-building (e.g. activities of daily living, community living skills) rather than only custodial care.

• Behavior support, medical oversight, and safety supports: the sponsor or staff may assist with behavior interventions, medication, health monitoring, and crisis management.

• More stability: homes are often intended for longer‐term placements, reducing the disruption of frequent moves.

• Support to families: when families cannot provide 24/7 care, the sponsor home model gives a trusted, trained alternative.

DBHDS Regions & CSBs (2025)

Here is an up-to-date breakdown of each region and its CSBs:

• Region 1

Alleghany Highlands, Harrisonburg-Rockingham, Horizon Behavioral Health, Northwestern, Rappahannock Area, Rappahannock-Rapidan, Region Ten, Rockbridge Area, Valley

• Region 2

Alexandria, Arlington County, Fairfax-Falls Church, Loudoun, Prince William

• Region 3

Blue Ridge, Cumberland Mountain, Danville-Pittsylvania, Dickenson, Highlands, Mount Rogers, New River Valley, Planning District One, Piedmont, Southside

• Region 4

Chesterfield, Crossroads, District 19, Goochland-Powhatan, Hanover, Henrico Area, Richmond Behavioral Health Authority

• Region 5

Chesapeake Integrated Behavioral Healthcare, Colonial Behavioral Health, Eastern Shore, Hampton-Newport News, Middle Peninsula-Northern Neck, Norfolk, Portsmouth, Virginia Beach, Western Tidewater 

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