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Qualifications for Group Home Residents

Posted by: Craig A. Knapp
February 09, 2012
Topic: Group Homes

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 that she 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.


The Knapp & Roberts law firm represents serious injury and wrongful death clients throughout Arizona, including the communities of Phoenix, Scottsdale, Tempe, Chandler, Gilbert, Mesa, Glendale, Peoria, Surprise, Queen Creek, Apache Junction, Goodyear, Tucson, Flagstaff, and Yuma in the Valley of the Sun - Maricopa County, Pinal County, Coconino County, Yuma County, and Gila County.