How to Start a Group Home in Texas
Opening a group home for children in Texas is a regulated, multi-stage process. This guide explains the difference between a group home and a Residential Treatment Center, the HHSC licensing path under 26 TAC Chapter 748, and the milestones from property selection to your first Certificate of Compliance.
1. Group home vs Residential Treatment Center
Both are licensed as General Residential Operations (GROs). A group home focuses on supervised living and basic child care; an RTC is a GRO that additionally provides clinical treatment for emotional, behavioral, or mental health needs. Your declared services determine which Chapter 748 subchapters apply.
2. Secure a compliant property
Property selection is where most operators stall. Verify zoning, Certificate of Occupancy, fire-code occupancy classification, ADA accessibility, sprinkler and alarm coverage, minimum bedroom square footage per child, bathroom ratios, and outdoor space.
3. Designate a Licensed Child Care Administrator (LCCA)
Every group home must list an LCCA on record. The LCCA is the state-credentialed administrator responsible to HHSC for daily Chapter 748 compliance. Many founders pursue their own LCCA credential.
4. Write your operational plan
HHSC requires a full operational plan, discipline and EBI policy, medication administration policy, education plan, personnel policies, and child rights statement.
5. Submit your application package
Submit Form 2710, governing body documentation, background-check authorizations, your operational plan, floor plans, and fire and health inspection letters. Partial applications add months.
6. Pre-opening inspection and Certificate of Compliance
CCL conducts a pre-opening inspection of your property, documentation, and staffing. When the inspector signs off, you receive your Certificate of Compliance and may accept placements.
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between a group home and an RTC in Texas?
In Texas, both are licensed by HHSC as General Residential Operations (GROs). A 'group home' typically refers to a smaller GRO focused on basic child care or supervised living, while a Residential Treatment Center (RTC) is a GRO that also provides clinical treatment for emotional, behavioral, or mental health needs. The licensing category and rulebook (26 TAC Chapter 748) are the same; the declared services differ.
How many children can a group home serve?
Capacity is set by your license based on facility square footage, bedroom configuration, staffing, and zoning. Many small group homes are licensed for 6 to 12 youth; larger operations scale up from there.
Do I need a license to open a group home in Texas?
Yes. Any 24-hour residential operation serving unrelated children must be licensed by HHSC Child Care Licensing as a General Residential Operation. Operating without a license is a serious violation.
How long does it take to open a group home in Texas?
Most operators take 6 to 18 months from application submission to a Certificate of Compliance. The single biggest accelerator is submitting a complete, well-documented application with all inspections, policies, and the LCCA on record.
What does it cost to start a group home in Texas?
Costs vary widely with property type and capacity. Plan for property acquisition or lease, code-compliant renovations, fire and ADA upgrades, insurance, the LCCA, initial staffing reserves, and the application fee. Most operators should plan for 4 to 6 months of operating reserves before the first placement.
Do I need an LCCA to operate a group home?
Yes. Every GRO must list a Licensed Child Care Administrator (LCCA) as the on-record administrator responsible to HHSC for daily compliance with Chapter 748.