Looking to relocate son with developmental disabilities

linette · Jun 15, 2005

hi, i am new to the site and still trying to work out the quirks..... in answer to your question. Relocating may be a good idea but there are other wonderful facilities in many states. I know it will take some time but going to google and searching each state for DD facilities sounds like a better idea than just going by hear say... good luck to you and your family and may

god bless you for your support and love for your son.

Jayhawk · Jun 15, 2005

hi, i am new to the site and still trying to work out the quirks..... in answer to your question. Relocating may be a good idea but there are other wonderful facilities in many states. I know it will take some time but going to google and searching each state for DD facilities sounds like a better idea than just going by hear say... good luck to you and your family and may
god bless you for your support and love for your son.

Thanks for your reply Linette.

I'll try the Google search, but what I'm really interested in are first hand opinions regarding programs in other states. Ya know, the problems always been that all the state run Departments of Developmental Disabilities either ignore you or claim they have the very best of everything when in fact they're running under funded and under staffed programs where there is no accountability for anything.

We were involved with what we thought was a good program but within 6 months the people on site - the people who were the determining factor for our decision to sign on with that program, all left the operation. What followed was almost 2 years of sheer torture where the state of NJ totally ignored the growing problems at the group home, which was being run into the ground by a bunch of inner city bottom feeders.

By the way, you may have heard of the NJ Division of Youth and Family Services, a.k.a. "DYFS" ? You know the nightmare where the state places foster children with drug dealers and prostitutes and the children wind up dead or completely lost? Well, The NJ Division of Developmental Disabilities, a.k.a. DDD, is under the auspices of the NJ Department of Human Services which also over sees DYFS. Different name but same mind set, only we were determined not to wake up some morning to learn in the morning paper that our son, had been starved, beaten and raped by some malcontent hired by the state of NJ.

So the search goes on.

Thanks again for your thoughtful reply.

Trauma Columnist · Jun 15, 2005

Am so very sorry for your problems. Have you contacted the local NAMI in your area? National Alliance for the Mentally Ill. They are usually a good resource for long term placements. Here in central IL, we have several nursing homes devoted to DD clients. We also have PARC which is the Peoria Association for Retarded Citizens (the name is from long ago). They have a good reputation.

Jayhawk · Jun 15, 2005

Am so very sorry for your problems. Have you contacted the local NAMI in your area? National Alliance for the Mentally Ill. They are usually a good resource for long term placements. Here in central IL, we have several nursing homes devoted to DD clients. We also have PARC which is the Peoria Association for Retarded Citizens (the name is from long ago). They have a good reputation.

Many thanks to TraumaRUS!

I checked into NAMI and will be researching their site this evening. PARC in Peoria may be a bit of a problem, but I shall hang in there!

enfermeraSG · Jun 18, 2005

Hi! Having only a 4yo son with developmental disabilities and autism, I am pretty new to all of this myself. Have you tried the Autism society? I would think maybe national and local chapters of these organizations would have some info for you. Good luck to you all! SG

psychtech1 · Jul 1, 2005

Jayhawk,

First of all I wish you good luck in your search for placement, unfortunately Federal and State funding for DD needs is poor at best, pay for direct care workers in terrible and staffing is always an issue, I have worked with Developmentally Delayed children and adults for 15 years and currently work in an inpatient psych unit that works specifically with DD individuals. Your state should have P.A.S.S agencies that specifically advocate for your son. Their job is to find appropriate placement and/or services that he will need. Does your son attend a dayprogram or php program? If he does, there should be a casemanager assigned to him that can assist you in starting that process. Please don't hesitate to contact me if you need further help or advice, I have worked in Group homes, ICF's and day training programs. Good luck.

Pepper

bluecandi · Jul 2, 2005

I just wanted to wish you luck with finding the right place for Sean. :)

dosamigos76, RN · Oct 30, 2005

We have adopted three special needs children and I can tell you from personal experience that the biggest problem I have found is that a lot of states have waiting lists for state funded placement (the DD waiver programs). We currently live in New Mexico, and have found it wonderful. We currently have a daughter in an assisted living home (used to be called group homes) with a company called Tabosa. They are AWESOME! Very knowlegable and VERY client focused and family friendly! We moved here from Minnesota and found that services there vary greatly from county to county. I worked with a company called Dungarvin. They have homes in various states and found them to be excellent. In fact, we are considering moving back there because I think that is the company I want to work for. I don't believe that California has a waiting list for services, but I could sure be wrong. Best of luck and please feel free to contact me at [email protected] if you'd like any other information.

Cheryl

HowieH RN · Nov 13, 2005

Jayhawk, Check this facility out in my sig. It's a great place to work and they have all sorts of programs and more on the horizon. They are known worldwide for there aggressive care and programs. And good luck. PM me if you have any questions.

sunnym · Jan 4, 2006

Well Jay Hawk I understand "moms" need for control as moms we have to watch over our kids VERY closely!

I personally have worked in Michigan with folks with dd, and one of our moms who sits on the states board (and has a nonprofit organization to help folks with dd/mi) assures me this is one of the only states she would let her boy live. She also like Mn- my grandmother lived nest to one of the group homes (rem) and the folks I met were very compassionate and the folks seemed happy.

If you are interested I am willing to get more information for you or contact her for you, I also know a few more moms who would give you their opinion as mothers of children(33-62) with dd.

May you find a home where Sean and your wife and yourself are at peace with

Sunny

rbs105, ADN, MSN, RN · Mar 19, 2008

We moved our son from Utah to PA for school and services. He has CHARGE syndrome (deaf/blind, tube fed, autistic tendencies). For services up to the age of 21, we are better off in PA, but once he is an adult, we will head back to Utah. They have some great opportunities for adults w/DD. There is alot to be said for the west!!

rbs105