Contact Information

5427 Tilden Road
Bladensburg, MD 20710
Telephone: (301)367-8899
FAX: (301)731-8763
E-mail:

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Services Offered:

Residential Services

Individuals Have the Following Types of Disabilities:
Autism, Behavioral Support, Cerebral Palsy, Epilepsy/Seizure Disorder, Mental Disorder, Mental Retardation, Specific Learning Disability, Speech/Language Impairment, Other Neurological Impairment, and Other Undetermined Disabilities.

Number of Individuals Currently Being Served:

Ages Served: 8-15

Home Region of DDA: Southern

Counties Served: Allegany, Anne Arundel, Baltimore City, Baltimore, Calvert, Caroline, Carroll, Cecil, Charles, Dorchester, Frederick, Garrett, Harford, Howard, Montgomery, Prince George's, Kent, Queen Anne's, St. Mary's, Somerset, Talbot, Washington, Wicomico, Worcester Counties, and Washington D. C.

Year Established: 1998

Mission Statement

Comfort Homes, Inc. is a private licensed childcare residential program incorporated in the State of Maryland, to provide housing and case management services to children and youths with severe mental retardation and emotional disturbances.

The mission and philosophy of Comfort Homes, Inc. tp provide children in the State of Maryland with mental retardation and emotional disturbances equal rights and services to enable them achieve their potential for independence and productivity while furthering their empowerment and integration into society.

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Unique or Distinctive Qualities

Comfort Homes, Inc. follows a set of beliefs called "normalization". This concept is a very basic philosophy which literally means, "making available the patterns and conditions of everyday life which are consistent with the norms and patterns of the mainstream of society". The principles of normalization impact upon all aspects of Comfort Home's work. It is upon this principle that Comfort homes has based its programs, policies and actions. The following statement of principles has been developed to further clarify these beliefs.

1. PROTECTION OF RIGHTS: Individuals with disabilities have the same basic rights as individuals who do not have a disability. Comfort Homes will actively create conditions that enable individuals to express their needs and desires. Staff is expected expected to support and assist individuals in exercising their right to make choices, and to communicate their interest, preferences and dislikes.
2. STATUS ENHANCEMENT: All staff is expected to assist the individuals in our program to develop and maintain positive images and reputations, as well as valued social roles. MedSource must ensure that the language ite uses, the activities it coordinates, and the images it promotes, are positive and appropriate to the ages of the person it serves.
3. COMMUNITY INTEGRATION: To promote an integrated community, staff must actively support an individual's natural relationship with his/her family, friends, neighbors, and fellow workers. Staff must support and provide exposure to the various resources within the generic community as well.
4. COMPETENCY DEVELOPMENT: In order to assist the individuals who participate in its program to develop self-reliance. MedSource's program and services are designed to enhance a person's competency by building on the strengths and interest of that individual, addressing urgent and vital needs, developing life enriching activities, providing a challenging environment, and helping the person to develop functional and meaningful skills and attributes.
5. HEALTH: All individuals recieve comprehensive medical monitoring. It is essential that everyone receive medical treatment on a regular and timely basis.

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Discuss How Your Agency Has Utilized The "Ask Me!" Survey Results.

Comfort Homes, Inc., has not yet had the opportunity to participate in the "Ask Me" survey.

The "Ask Me!" Survey Results is available for the general public

Describe your quality assurance practices, including any agency accreditations

Comfort Home' Quality Assurance Program primarily focus on the diversity of Residential services provided to the children served. Comfort Homes' mission is dedicated quality care and the provision of safe quality housing for all individuals. MedSource's Standing Committee is in charge of the Quality Assurance Program. The Standing Committee's purpose is to ensure that services are person-centered, community-based and are provided in a manner which recognizes the potential within each individual to participate in community life as responsible and contributing members of this society.

Programs and services are supported through a variety of Federal, State and local government services and are regularly reviewed for outcome performance and compliance of applicable regulatory standards. A consistent record of successful quality performance has been maintained within residential programs throughout the years of operation due in a large part to highly qualified and dedicated staff who works directly with the individuals they serve.

Each year Comfort Homes, Inc. will publish an annual Quality Assurance Report to describe and assess the agency's performance outcomes and individual satisfaction. These annual reports will assist Comfort Homes in providing quality programs and conclusions that answer the question "what works best and for whom it works for".

How Does Your Agency Support People In Becoming Active Members Of Their Community?

In order to assist individuals in becoming active members of their community, staff supports and provides exposure to the various resources within the generic community. Individuals are provided with opportunities to engage in religious activities at the church of their choice, to go shopping, to attend movies and other community events. Individuals are encouraged to participate in a variety of recreational leisure time activities available for their enjoyment.

In order to facilitate good neighbor relations, individuals are encouraged to attend monthly town meetings, be aware of what they're doing and join in various neighborhood watch patrols, cleanup, etc. Staff should encourage individuals to assist neighbors who might be in need of help (i.e. racking the leaves and snow shoveling).

Steps Individuals Must Take to Apply for Services

1. CRITERIA FOR ADMISSION: To be eligible for services the applicant must:
   a) be at least 8-15 years old;
   b) have a diagnosis of a developmental disability as defined by COMAR. Additionally, eligible individuals can have a secondary diagnosis of emotional disturbances;
   c) be approved for funding by the Department of Human Resources (DHR) and funding source;
   enrolled in a school program, employed or enrolled in an outside program during the day.
2. APPLICATION PROCESS:
   An application for Comfort Homes' residential services can be done by contacting the State of Maryland Department of Human Resources (DHR). Eligibility is determined by DHR, after which the applicant can be considered for admission to programs provided by Comfort Homes.
3. ADMISSION PROCESS:
   a) In the event of a vacancy, the Chief Executive Officer or designee will review application for admission and determine all eligible applicants. The CEO or designee will present to the Admission/Review Committee the individuals that meet the above criteria for whom the vacancy is most appropriate for the committee's review and approval.
   b) Prior to final consideration for admission, each applicant must undergo a comprehensive evaluation, including a complete physical, psychological and social evaluation. Additional evaluations may be required. All must be conducted within the past year.
   c) Once assessment information has been received, and appropriate opening is available, the Program Director will make arrangements to meet the applicant, his/her family, or representative. The Director will make arragements for the applicant to visit the program to meet staff and other individuals there.
   d) If the committee finds that the program opening is appropriate to meet the needs of the applicant, it will approve the admission of the applicant to the program.
   e) If the committee finds that services offered are unable to meet the needs of the applicant, it will deny the applicant's admission to the program. The Program Director will notify the applicant, in writing, of the committee's decision to deny admission to the program. The reason for the denial as well as the explanation to the applicant with notice of denied admission.
   f) If the applicant feels that the information reviewed by the committee has been misunderstood or misinterpreted, or if he/she has additional information which is relevant to his/her admission, he/she may request a reconsideration by the committee. This request must be made to the Program Director within 15 days of initial denial and reconsidered by the Committee within 30 days of receipt of the request for appeal.

Special Considerations/Comments: Comfort Homes is a loving and caring place for children. It prides itself in giving special care and attention to children in its care.

Funding Sources: Department of Human Resources (DHR)

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