Dear Readers,
Kate Riley raises interesting questions regarding the placement of children in institutions. Discussing history and things done to inspire change is admirable. But recounting historical events does nothing to help the children and families that need help NOW.
Contracted residential services for long-term care are lacking in the DD community. Placement availability, consistent, well-trained caregivers and administrative staff, programming (daily activities or employment) are scarce. There was a disastrous attempt to serve children in the Fodor Homes system. When that fell apart, it was the RHC network (institutions) that kept the children from harm. Children were provided a caring, home-like living environment, stabilized behaviorally as well as medically. The professional services at the RHCs worked to find other stable residential placements, or the children were able to return home.
Institutions must be considered part of a full continuum of care. As shown over the last year, the RHCs have been the sole safety net for DSHS/DDD.
Ms. Riley, never say a parent turns a child “over to the state for institutionalization”. Parents of children with disabilities are faced with many decisions. Institutional placement is one of the hardest choices they will ever make. Give the parents credit for placing the well being of their child first. They do not give up their parental right. You can bet those same parents work alongside the caregivers and professional staff looking for ways to improve the quality of life for their loved ones.
Terri Anderson
WA State Coordinator
Voice of the Retarded (VOR)