NH CARES Budget Issues on DEVELOPMENTAL SERVICES - 3/23/09
Community Support
Network, Inc. (NH’s Area Agencies) & NH DD Council
Funding to Eliminate the
Waitlists for Developmental (DD) and Acquired Brain Disorders (ABD) Services
Bureau
of Developmental Services HB1 Pages: Page 1566
(DD), Line 558, “Waitlist” and Page 1568 Line 558, “Waitlist.”
|
Page |
Class |
FY2010
Gov |
FY2010
Request |
FY2011
Gov |
FY2010
Request |
|
1566 |
558 |
0 |
14,931,420 |
0 |
32,385,858 |
|
1568 |
558 |
0 |
2,269,628 |
0 |
2,443,312 |
The
Governor’s budget includes no funds for eliminating the DD and ABD
Waitlists. Families and the Area
Agencies support full funding for people on these two waitlists to reduce the
time waiting to the 90 day standard in RSA 171-A.
We
request adding to HB1 the Department’s request of $17,201,048 in total funds
for FY 2010 and $34,829,170 for FY2011 to eliminate the DD and ABD
waitlists. We support additional or
enhanced revenue to fund the waitlist.
People
in NH with developmental disabilities have lifelong intellectual, mental,
and/or physical impairments - but regardless of these, with the proper
supports, each and every one can fully participate and contribute to their
families, community, and society. They
cannot do this without the proper supports funded on pages 1566 and 1568.
As
well as allowing our fellow citizens to lead safe and full lives, these
supports are very cost effective because in NH, 80% of the people supported
live with their families. Without these
community supports, many families would be unable to care for their children
resulting in higher costs.
Who is on the waitlist?
A.
Young adults transitioning from public education. Most live with their
families, and without assistance
after graduation, a parent often must quit work in order to stay home and
provide essential care or supervision. Further, without assistance, many of the
gains made through school are lost.
B.
Older adults living with elder parents. Many elder parents who support their
children at home eventually are no longer able to provide care.
C.
People with complex medical or behavioral needs. There are some people whose disabilities are
such that they need total care & supervision and sophisticated medical
treatment and equipment for their safety and health. Without adequate support for these persons, family stability can
deteriorate forcing parents to seek more expensive out-of-home options.
Contacts
Alex
Koutroubas, (603) 228.1610 or Dennis Powers, (603) 229.1982