It’s a rare thing when state government can improve service and save money at the same time, but that’s the opportunity before lawmakers right now.
At a hearing before the House Children and Family Services Committee in Olympia on Jan. 28, another parent and I, both from the Parent Family Coalition of Snohomish County, testified to lawmakers about the sheer frustration and desperation we feel when we find ourselves totally overwhelmed by a son or daughter with a developmental disability who has become too complex to handle.
The state’s Voluntary Placement Program served as the DD community’s foster care system, allowing families an out-of-home placement to avert a family crisis without giving up custody of the child. Depending on which component of the program a family chose, it cost between $2,000 and $8,000 a month to serve these children with complex medical and behavioral challenges.
But last summer, in an intended cost-cutting move, the state froze the program, locking out any additional families. The only option left to families in crisis is to place the child with a developmental disability in an institution. Besides the anguish families often feel for having to take this step, it’s also the most expensive option possible, costing $366 a day, or more than $11,000 a month!
A bill before the Legislature right now, HB2439, sponsored by Rep. Al O’Brien, would open up the option of families having in-home services to avoid these more costly out-of-home placements. This is the option families prefer and is more cost effective. During the state’s worst budgetary crisis in 22 years, it doesn’t make sense not to pass this bill and provide the funding for the VPP program. Please support the bill – if not for the benefit to families, then because it makes economic sense.
Bothell
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