A Date For Dinner

J.A., a 19 year old who has been diagnosed with Fragile X and schizophrenia, has complex needs and had been on the waiting list for the DD (Developmental Disability) Medicaid Waiver program for years. His family did their best to try and provide a safe home environment for him. Each family member tried to cover the hours in the day to provide J.A. with the supervision he needed. The walls and doors at home had holes from their son's uncontrollable ourtbursts. The schools limited the time they were willing to serve him, and no respite was available in the community because staff feared for their safety.

J.A.'s father advocated to P & A staff that he needed help immediately. Years had gone by since J.A.'s father could go out to dinner with his wife. The family was exhausted and feared for their and their son's lives.

P & A with the support of LLCP, DOH, Adult Protective Services, Albuquerque Public Schools, PBDC Case Management, and Lovelace MCC convened an emergency crisis meeting to fund a comprehensive school, respite, and residential plan.

J.A.'s program began immediately with an expanded school program five days a week during the summer. Respite with a one on one service provider 20 hours a week has begun as of last week.