ARF guides
Plain-language explanations of California's licensing records for Adult Residential Facilities: how to read an inspection report, what citations and license statuses mean, how to choose a home and how to report a problem. Written by the ARFlookup.com team from official state sources, which each guide lists.
How to read a California ARF inspection report
What each part of an LIC 809 evaluation report and an LIC 9099 complaint report means, and what to look for.
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Type A vs. Type B citations, explained
CDSS's definitions of Type A and Type B deficiencies, with examples, correction deadlines and penalties.
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What "probation," "provisional license" and "license pending" mean
The license statuses you may see on a care home, what the regulations say about each, and what to ask.
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Complaint findings: substantiated, inconclusive and unfounded
What each complaint finding means, why one complaint can have several, and how to read the totals.
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ARF vs. RCFE vs. other options for adults with disabilities
How an ARF compares with the other licensed settings for adults 18 and over, and how referrals work.
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Questions to ask when touring a residential care home
A checklist for before, during and after a visit, based on CDSS guidance for families.
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How to file a complaint with Community Care Licensing
The official phone, email and online channels, what happens after you file, and who else can help.
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Who ARFs serve: developmental, mental health and other adult populations
The adults ARFs care for, the rules for each group, and what the "Serves" labels on a record mean.
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Looking for the data itself?
- Facility Search — every licensed ARF, with filters
- Monthly data reports — what changed in the state's records each month
- Recent changes — the last 30 days, facility by facility