One word: Support.

At Counseling and Advocacy Associates (CAA), we understand the commitment and responsibility that comes with being a Sponsor. Our team is dedicated to making sure Sponsors feel prepared, supported, and connected throughout the journey.

CAA provides Sponsors with:

• Required training and ongoing education

• 24/7 crisis intervention support

• 24-hour on-call assistance for behavioral or emergency situations

• Weekly supervision meetings with a Onboarding Specialist

• Monthly Sponsor team meetings and peer support opportunities

• Assistance coordinating medical and psychological appointments

• Guidance with community involvement and engagement

To become a Sponsored Residential Provider, applicants must meet the following requirements:

• Be at least 25 years old

• Have a GED or high school diploma

• Have at least one year of documented experience supporting individuals with intellectual or developmental disabilities

• Maintain a valid driver’s license and safe driving record

• Demonstrate financial stability with at least 90 days of personal financial reserves

• Complete all required trainings prior to providing services

Additional details are included in the Sponsored Residential Welcome Packet and reviewed during the Sponsor Information Meeting.

The onboarding and licensing process typically takes 3–6 months, depending on several factors, including:

• Completion of paperwork

• Training progress

• Home readiness and licensing inspections

• Availability of a compatible individual match

CAA works closely with each applicant to help move the process forward as smoothly as possible.

Sponsors work with CAA as Independent Contractors and are paid on a bi-weekly schedule, every other Friday.

A DSP (Direct Support Professional) is someone trained to support individuals in their home and community.

DSP certification includes:

• A written assessment completed during orientation

• A competency evaluation completed by the Onboarding Specialist within 180 days of your start date

• Annual competency reviews

All Sponsors are required to complete DSP-related training requirements.

CAA provides and covers the cost of all onboarding trainings.

After the first year, each DSP must complete 25 hours of training annually. CAA continues to provide training opportunities and shares additional free and high-quality resources with Sponsors throughout the year.

CAA cannot provide tax or legal advice, but Sponsors will receive a Form 1099 reflecting their compensation. Your Onboarding Specialist can provide helpful resources to better understand tax considerations, and we recommend speaking with a qualified accountant for guidance.

Additional information is discussed during the initial meeting.

Yes. Sponsors receive room and board payments directly from the individual. The amount is agreed upon by both parties and typically ranges from $400–$600 per month.

Yes. Family members may serve as Sponsors if the individual has a Community Living Waiver and documentation supports that the arrangement is the best option for the individual’s needs.

CAA Onboarding Specialist help families navigate the required documentation and approval process.

Acceptable forms of financial verification may include:

• Bank statements

• Available credit lines

• Home equity documentation

• Retirement account statements