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Putting Your Loved One in a Group Home
Posted by: Craig A. Knapp
February 28, 2012

It can be difficult to decide whether or not to put your loved one in a group home, and making the decision is different for everyone. One valley mother made the decision when she realized her severely Autistic son was becoming far too big for her to stop his violent tantrums anymore, endangering herself and her other children.

On a day like every other, Rachel sent her 12-year-old Autistic son, Tommy, and her 10-year-old son, Kyle, off to school. Tommy was running behind, so Kyle left to the bus stop alone. By the time Tommy had finished getting ready, he was late, and his mom had to coax him into the car to get to school on time. As she was driving, Tommy began hitting Rachel while she was driving. Tommy has been known to be violent, he often times had epileptic fits, his medication wasn't working, and he had a history of suicidal and homicidal thoughts and hallucinations. As a younger boy, Rachel was capable of handling the violence and calming him down, but as he grew she was having a harder time taking the hits or getting him to stop.

Rachel was unable to take care of her son anymore. Even after quitting her job and devoting all her time to caring for Tommy, she realized that she couldn't help him, herself, or her family anymore. Because of this, Rachel made one of the most difficult decisions: she put Tommy in a group home.

Dozens of developmentally disabled children and adults are put in group homes each year due to problems similar to Tommy's: his family couldn't care for him the way he needed to be cared for anymore. This can be a traumatizing realization for many parents and family members out there, but it's also a freeing one. Once Rachel was able to put Tommy in a group home, she realized that her and her family's connection to him improved significantly, and she finally felt like they could be a family.

Group homes are meant to provide the professional help that your developmentally disabled loved one needs. Knapp & Roberts is committed to ensuring group home safety for the developmentally disabled and we work hard to provide tips and resources that assist you in choosing the right home for your loved one. The Arizona Department of Health Services provides a list of group homes here. Once you've narrowed down your group home options by location, it's time to conduct research on each home. A simple search online can tell you a lot about the group home, and the state will help, as well. The Department of Developmental Disabilities (DDD) keeps documentation on each home and allows the documents to be accessed at any time. Information includes any lawsuits, citations, or investigations the group home had. Although making the decision can be difficult, it can often times be the best thing for your loved one.

If your loved one entered a group home and experienced neglect or abuse, report it. Just as you did, many people rely on other group home residents' families to report any mistreatment your loved one may have endured in order to make the right decision for their loved one. Also, reach out to Knapp & Roberts. We have the experience and knowledge needed to ensure that the same abuse and neglect does not happen again to someone else. We believe that every person ahs the right to feel safe in their home-group homes included. Give us a call, we will help.

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Qualifications for Group Home Residents
Posted by: Craig A. Knapp
February 09, 2012

A Phoenix mother spent years staying at home, trying to help her lovable 12-year-old son with severe Autism. His violent outbursts were often times too difficult for her to handle, but she was afraid that looking into a group home for her child would seem like she had given up and thatshe was a bad mom. One day, when she was driving her son to school, he began hitting her while she was driving. As a smaller kid, she was able to manage his outbursts, but at the age of 12, she couldn't control his anger anymore. With two other sons in the house constantly walking on eggshells to keep their brother calm, this Phoenix mom was faced with a choice: get her son the help he needs by sending him to a group home or continue to endure his violent outrages and hope for the best.

Although it is an extremely difficult decision to make, a group home is sometimes the best option for children with severe disabilities. The Department of Developmental Disabilities (DDD) in Arizona provides support and services to eligible people with autism, cerebral palsy, epilepsy, or cognitive disabilities. Below are some details regarding qualifications for receiving assistance:

-Must be an Arizona resident with a social security number

-Person of any age who applies voluntarily

-If your child is under 3 years old: must exhibit significant developmental delay or is at risk for developmental disability

-If you child is between 3 to 6 years old: at risk for developmental disability

-If your child is 6 years or older:

1.) Has diagnosis of: Cerebral Palsy (CP), Autism, Epilepsy, or Cognitive Disability

2.) Disability must occur prior to age 18

3.) Must have "substantial functional limitations" in 3 of 7 areas:

-Self care (bathing, hygiene, eating, etc...)

-Receptive & expressive language

-Learning (acquiring & processing information)

-Mobility

-Economic self sufficiency

-Capacity for independent living

-Self direction (making financial and independent decisions)

For more information on receiving support and services from the DDD, click here.

Group homes can be beneficial in helping you and your loved one get the help you both need. Before entering your loved one in a group home, make sure you do your research to find the right one for you. Knapp & Roberts has experience in group home abuse and neglect cases. Search our blog for tips on finding the right group home for you.

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