The care coordinator for a medically fragile child complained that the Division of Senior and Disabilities Services (DSDS) denied approval of group home services for the child. The Ombudsman determined that the agency’s denial of group home services for the child, who is on a Children with Complex Medical Conditions Medicaid Waiver, was in accordance with regulation, which only allows group home services for recipients over 18. When asked about the motivating reasons behind the regulation, the agency explained that children receiving services with a CCMC Waiver are typically children who are medically fragile, technology dependent, and meet the nursing facility level of care. The agency said that the regulation is based on the department’s belief that these children are best served by placement in a family habilitation home, such as a foster home, which provides a family living experience through a structured and stable home environment. Also, a family host home environment mirrors the home settings of other children in this age group. The agency further explained that it does not support the placement of these children in a group home setting, such as an assisted living home, because group homes are intended to foster as much independence as possible and improve self-help and social skills. It is the department’s position that a group home is not the most appropriate environment for medically fragile children in need of intense care and nursing. The Ombudsman relayed this information to the complainant and closed the complaint. (A2015-2418)