Admission to L'Arche
Following is a list of the most frequently asked questions concerning L'Arche's admission procedures for people with disabilities. The answers are addressed to parents or caregivers who may be seeking information about our procedures.
What are the criteria for admission to L'Arche?
L'Arche in Atlantic Canada works closely with provincial government representatives to determine who might be best suited to live in our homes and apartments. Generally speaking, those who live at L'Arche must be prepared to participate in a fairly robust community life that includes regular weekly and monthly meetings and other gatherings involving various kinds of social, spiritual and formational/educational activities.
New communities generally don't support apartments until they have at least two homes up and running. By virtue of the way things are organized, those who live in our apartments are generally afforded more independence than those who live in our homes though they're usually linked up with one of our homes for support, and there's always an expectation that they will participate in community activities where possible.
How long is the waiting list for admission?
We don't maintain waiting lists. All decisions concerning admissions are made in conjunction with provincial government personnel, so the key is to make sure that the needs and desires of the person for whom you are advocating are made known to their Social Worker. If you and your child think that L'Arche would be the best option, you should make this known to a Social Worker.
Must the applicant have a religious denomination to qualify for admission?
L'Arche deliberately cultivates relations with local denominations and encourages its residents to participate fully in the life of their local faith communities. Moreover, grace at meals, short prayer times after supper and community prayer gatherings are all part of life at L'Arche. Thus, while belonging to a religious denomination is not a prerequisite for being admitted to L'Arche--indeed, there are a number of people in our homes who have no such formal affiliation--those who live at L'Arche must, at the very least, be open to the fact that religion and spirituality are an integral part of life at L'Arche. Anyone who has a serious problem with this aspect of L'Arche should question whether L'Arche is the right place for them.
What is the procedure for obtaining funding for admission?
Again, the various provincial governments hold the key here. Each resident at L'Arche normally receives a per diem amount that is set by the government in consultation with a person's Social Worker and their advocates.
Are the applicants given a choice of living arrangements?
Personal choice is taken into consideration. But the Community Leader and/or his or her delegate ultimately determines what the living arrangement will be. Again, because of the strong "community dimension" in L'Arche, the proper "fit" for someone can only be determined in dialogue with those responsible for the overall health and well-being of the community and all the residents who live therein.
Are the applicants given the choice to plan their goals and objectives of their daily living?
Yes, they are given this choice. But, again, the planning must take place within the context of dialogue with those who are responsible for the overall health and well-being of the community and all the residents who live therein.
Does L'Arche only provide residential options for people, or does it provide other kinds of supports and programs as well?
Most of the people involved with L'Arche in any given locale don't actually live in our homes or apartments. The mission of L'Arche is not only to provide residential options for persons with disabilities, but to provide support networks and meaningful daytime or respite options as well. For information about other ways in which you might take advantage of the programs and supports that L'Arche has to offer in your area, contact the L'Arche community nearest to your current place of residence.
More Information
For more information, contact the L'Arche Community nearest to your current place of residence.
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