The U.S. Justice Department has accused Alabama of violating the Americans with Disabilities Act by unnecessarily institutionalizing children with physical disabilities in nursing homes. The department threatened legal action unless the state makes changes to expand community-based services and support families.
The U.S. Justice Department has issued a stark warning to Alabama , alleging that children with physical disabilities are being unnecessarily institutionalized in nursing homes. In a letter to state officials, Assistant U.S. Attorney General Kristen Clarke stated that Alabama is violating the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) by failing to provide services in the most appropriate setting for individuals with disabilities.
Clarke's letter, sent to the Alabama Department of Human Resources, the Alabama Medicaid Agency, and the Alabama Department of Senior Services, outlined the Justice Department's investigation findings. The investigation revealed that Alabama's policies effectively restrict access to community-based services, also known as long-term support services, which are crucial for children with physical disabilities to live at home. Federal officials pointed out that Alabama has not adequately developed its community-based workforce and lacks sufficient support for foster parents who care for, or are considering caring for, children with physical disabilities. This leaves Alabama families with a heartbreaking choice: institutionalize their children in nursing homes for life or relinquish their jobs to become full-time caregivers. The Justice Department emphasized the detrimental impact of this situation, stating that some children who could thrive in family homes are spending their formative years in nursing homes, separated from their families and communities. Others live on the brink of such institutionalization, with their families struggling to meet the overwhelming physical, financial, and emotional demands of caring for them at home. P.J. Alexander, whose son Kyle was born with a complex set of medical issues, including genetic conditions and cerebral palsy, shared his personal experience with the challenges families face in Alabama. Alexander and his wife were able to keep Kyle at home, but they considered moving to another state with more resources for families caring for profoundly disabled children. Kyle tragically passed away at age 10 from cardiac failure. Despite his many struggles, Kyle always managed to bring joy to those around him
DISABILITIES INSTITUTIONALIZATION ALABAMA JUSTICE DEPARTMENT AMERICANS WITH DISABILITIES ACT COMMUNITY-BASED SERVICES
United States Latest News, United States Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Justice Department resolves investigation of Antioch Police Department over racist textsDennis Romero is a breaking news reporter for NBC News Digital.
Read more »
Justice Department Investigates Antioch Police Department for DiscriminationThe U.S. Justice Department is investigating the Antioch Police Department in California for alleged discriminatory conduct against members of the public. The investigation was prompted by leaked text messages containing racial slurs, celebrations of police brutality, and homophobic language.
Read more »
California Police Department Agrees to Reforms After Racist Texts ScandalThe Department of Justice previously launched a probe into the police department's text messages.
Read more »
Greg Reed Appointed as Director of New Alabama Department of WorkforceGovernor Kay Ivey appointed Greg Reed, the State Senate President Pro Tem, as the first director of the newly formed Alabama Department of Workforce. This cabinet-level department, created through a legislative initiative, aims to streamline workforce development and enhance Alabama's competitiveness in attracting industries and job opportunities.
Read more »
Freestanding emergency department opens in north Alabama city with no hospitalA freestanding emergency room opened in north Alabama on Monday, part of an effort to expand access to care in cities without hospitals.
Read more »
Former Alabama Star Sam Shade Named Head Coach at Alabama A&MSam Shade, a former standout at Alabama and in the NFL, has been appointed as the head coach of Alabama A&M University.
Read more »