How to Start and Operate a Licensed Group Home in Virginia
- MewCo Homes
- Jul 21
- 2 min read
Updated: Jul 22
How to Start a Group Home in Virginia: Licensing, Property, and Compliance
Starting a group home in Virginia is both a rewarding and complex process. Whether your goal is to serve adults with disabilities, youth in crisis, or individuals with mental health needs, you must meet strict state licensing requirements and ensure your facility is safe, compliant, and fully staffed.
Here’s a step-by-step overview of how to start a group home in Virginia:
Step 1: Define Your Target Population
Virginia offers licensing for several types of group homes, including:
Mental Health Residential Services (MH)
Developmental Disability Services (DD)
Crisis Stabilization Units
Respite and Day Support Services
Understanding your target population will guide your licensing application, staffing requirements, and property selection.
Step 2: Prepare the DBHDS Application
Visit the Virginia Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Services (DBHDS) website to download the Initial Provider Application Packet. This includes:
Business information
Program description
Policies and procedures
Human rights documentation
Be thorough and accurate—applications missing documents or details may delay processing.
Step 3: Choose and Prepare Your Property
Your home must meet all building codes and be suitable for the population you serve. Requirements vary by service type but generally include:
Fire safety systems
Accessibility features
Private bedrooms and bathrooms
Common areas for dining and recreation
Consider working with professionals experienced in care-based facility design.
Step 4: Staffing and Background Checks
You’ll need to hire qualified staff, complete criminal background checks, and ensure that team members are trained in areas like medication administration, trauma-informed care, and CPR/first aid. Staffing ratios vary by population.
Step 5: Schedule Your Inspection
Once your property and documents are ready, DBHDS will schedule an on-site inspection. Inspectors will review:
Physical environment
Staffing and training
Policies and procedures
Safety systems
Step 6: Receive Your License
Upon passing your inspection and document review, DBHDS will issue your license. You can then begin operations and serve clients based on your approved service type.
Operating a licensed group home requires dedication to compliance, care, and safety. But with the right planning, it also offers a meaningful way to contribute to your community while creating a stable, long-term business model.
For more details on starting and operating a licensed group home in Virginia, click here to download our free in-depth guide on exactly what steps to take.