What is a behavioral group home?
Olivia Shea
Updated on February 28, 2026
Group homes provide therapy, 24-hour supervision and support to troubled teens in a home-like setting. Unlike large residential treatment facilities or psychiatric hospitals, group homes serve a small number of teens. They reside in a family-like setting with trained staff.
How does a group home work?
A group home is a private residence for specific types of residents to live in to receive support and treatment. Some group homes treat the mentally ill and the disabled, and others house young residents who cannot live with their families due to behavioral issues or for residents who suffer from substance abuse.
What’s the difference between a group home and a foster home?
Group homes are residences intended to serve as an alternative to family foster homes. Homes normally house 4 to 12 children in a setting that offers the potential for the full use of community resources, including employment, health care, education, and recreational opportunities.
How do I make my home a group home?
Opening a group home requires adhering to all licensing requirements and passing the inspection and application process.
- Determine the Type of Group Home.
- Meet the Requirements.
- Establish a Business Entity.
- Write a Business Plan.
- Write an Operations Manual.
- Complete the Application Process.
Who works group homes?
Who works in group homes?
- Group home worker. National average salary: $28,820 per year.
- Counselor. National average salary: $29,980 per year.
- Security guard. National average salary: $31,144 per year.
- Life skills trainer. National average salary: $32,325 per year.
- Receptionist.
- Groundskeeper.
- Chef.
- Activities coordinator.
What do social workers do in group homes?
Social worker When working in a group home setting, social workers coordinate with community organizations, medical professionals, family members and staff members to offer counseling, advice and service recommendations to people living within the facility.
How much money can you make owning a group home?
The economics center on the supply and demand equation and the figures that a licensed, properly retrofitted group home can reap $7,000, or more, per bed in revenue.
