Light at the end of the tunnel......

[cat04]

[Re: service providers - this weekend during my free time, start scouring the web and firing off emails and letters.

Peter,

I understand that your D has CP.

I have been a Med Waiver Service Provider for Developmentally Disabled for over 13 years in the state of Florida.

First, may I ask how profound her CP is? What are her limitations?

Second, is she on any sort of Waiver? Who provides her respite services now? Does she receive any sorts of therapies, consumables, or PCA services?

I know that each state has their own version of Waiver (it is partially federally funded) and that the state determines what services they will provide.

I also know that in most states right now a "life altering" situation is required for more care hours to be requested and approved. Which this will be.

Additionally, some states have implemented changes to the programs that allow funding to be more easily allocated to services and supplies that the family actually uses, so as not to have a surplus in one area and a shortage in another.

I also know that some of these things may not be available to you until your D is 21.

In a similar situation, with a child with parents living in separate homes, services were provided to the child, where ever she was. Based on the number of service hours the child received per week and when and where the services were needed.

If this is the case where you are, this is something that could be worked out easily between you and your W and the service provider OR the Support Coordinator (case worker) could designate how the hours are to be divided.

Honestly, you may receive extra support from church and volunteer organizations as a single father, but I don't believe any of the government programs out there alot extra service hours because the parents are divorced. The unfortunate part in all of this is that they expect the Natural Support Systems to work together and provide for the majority of the disabled persons needs, regardless of whether they can get along or not.

I will try to gather a list of resources that you may find helpful in your search for care/assistance for her.