What *really* pisses me off about the whole situation...

[eleri]

Is that all these services for Miri we need, we'd be getting at the drop of a hat, if we were *poor*.

Comments

[guppiecat]

I've actually been thinking a lot about this in the last year. It seems as though you guys are in a situation where a fundraiser would actually harm you, as it would raise you more past the line where you can get permanent help.

Other than local help (which I can't provide), I don't see a solution, unless the letter-writing thing you mentioned earlier will happen. Is there any news on that?

[eleri.livejournal.com]

it happens slowly. Right now, letters are in to various legislative peoples. Everything's stalled on the Agencies Have No Money factor right now, so none of them want to shell out the large sum of care, and there's no system in place for agencies to share the burden.

~CPS/CWS can't do anything because we're not harming our kids. Miri's disabled, so they say DDD should be in charge.

~DDD can't do anything because we make too much money (one she turns 18, then they can help) and Miri is school age, so they say School District is in charge.

~ The School District sees that she's making academic progress, so they're meeting their legal obligation, and aren't responsible for anything more. What's happening at home is sad, but Not Their Problem.


It's looking more and more like we'll have to resort to legal action. Which I don't want to because one, we can't afford it, and two, it's the system that's broken, not the people trying to help.

But, at this point, I'm ready to not only sue the school district to have residential care put in her IEP, but suing the state for pain and anguish.

[eleri.livejournal.com]

as far as finances... if we could get not be a month behind on everything and the property tax, and dealing with bills from the Oregon facility, we might actually be able to pay out of pocket for a day of respite here and there. *sigh*

[oscy.livejournal.com]

How much is all that? Come on here, I need a figure.

[guppiecat]

So, as I see it, there are five options:

1) Get a referendum passed in Oregon that creates a system to allow agencies to split costs. Benefit: best solution for everybody. Drawback: could take YEARS.

2) Sue the school district to have residential care put in her IEP. Benefit: relatively quick solution. Drawback: expensive, would only help you.

3) Raise up enough money to get you out of the one month hole. Benefit: immediate solution. Drawback: temporary solution, problems will likely re-arise.

4) Wait for Miri to turn 18, then involve the DDD. Benefit: clear and simple. Drawback: the next several years will royally suck.

5) Have Blade change jobs. Benefit: either become "poor" and qualify or move to another state with a different system. Drawback: more stress.

It seems like the community can help with 1 and 3, but that with 2, 4 and 5, you're pretty much on your own.

Is that accurate?

[eleri.livejournal.com]

pretty much. 5 gets pretty complicated as the odds of losing housing becomes very high, with the odds of replacing adequate housing being low.

[oscy.livejournal.com]

annoyingly:
2) requires money
3) they've been trying to do that

Why get a referendum passed in Oregon? Is Oregon a starting point for laws in Washington?

[guppiecat]

The last time I saw them, they were in Oregon. I may have missed a move. I've not made it to the Pacific NW in about eight years.

[oscy.livejournal.com]

I can MAKE it their problem.. *pulls on gloves*

[weavingfire.livejournal.com]

The curse of the middle class.

[beki.livejournal.com]

You are so right. If I could quit my job and go on welfare, I would not have to pay for a second health insurance policy for Jason. I would not have to pay out of pocket for the miscellaneous medical expenses I pay for. I would get respite. You get out on occasion. I've not been truly away since I had the surgery to put the rod in my arm after the accident I was in the week after he was born. Being in the hospital isn't what I would call a vacation either.

It's really fucked up that folks who are trying to be responsible adults and do the right thing by being productive members of society get no help at all. DDD has a program that is designed for working families. Jason has been on the waiting list for that program since he has been born. Because I work, he will never get on it. I was told as much by his social worker. I keep him on it because you never know, a miracle might happen. I seriously doubt it though.

[eleri.livejournal.com]

I know. It's just Not OK. I'm hoping by starting to be vocal on a onfficial level, I can start making something change. We shouldn't be penalized for trying to do the best for our kids.

[oscy.livejournal.com]

hmm
We should make a book of these stories and send them to Gregoire.. or whoever's in office now. I haven't been paying attention. c.c
(sorry, posted in the wrong spot)

[oscy.livejournal.com]

hmm
We should make a book of these stories and send them to Gregoire.. or whoever's in office now. I haven't been paying attention. c.c

[oscy.livejournal.com]

Yeah.. I have personally run into that problem many times. "No, you can't have health insurance.. you're 7$ over the limit. Sorry. Go die in a corner please. Neeeeext!"

and when mom and I were, well, not homeless, but moving very slowly* to Portland, we had a lot of trouble getting services, 'cause we were in that grey area. I hate that grey area.. You know, that grey area where you're making too much to qualify for state insurance and too little to afford private insurance? *grumble*


*Mooooooovin' verrry sloooooleeeeh, moooooovin' veeery sloooowleeeeh....