Because We Care - Beyond Inclusion

HOW CAN THIS HAPPEN?

The scenario below is true. The client was 14 at the time. He has a rare genetic syndrome which causes a global developmental delay, early onset pediatric dementia (his brain is shrinking), behavior problems coupled with manic and psychotic episodes. This was after his 5th hospital admission in 1 - 1/2 years.

He was on a Home and Community Based Service Waiver at the time.


12/2008 - Admitted to Seattle Children’s - 2 week admission (4th Admission for this child to Inpatient Psychiatric Unit)

12/2008 - readmit (5th Admission) - Psychiatrist recommended out-of-home placement for safety and health of child and his family. RSN stated “would not approve” readmission again

1/2009 - DDD Region 4 Children’s Manager told client’s DDD caseworker - “Do not offer them anything”

1/2009 - Discharge meeting at Seattle Children’s, DDD Psychologist, DDD caseworker, MD, Teacher, Nurse and discharge planner present. No availability in DDD residential system. Mental Health Residential placement would not be appropriate for him.

When asked about next crisis due to readmission being denied, only solution offered to parents by this group was to

“CALL THE POLICE”


It got worse before it got better:

He now lives at Fircrest, an RHC, he’s safe, happy, well cared for and healthy – a CHOICE that was denied to him for over a year.

Why does DDD want to deny a safe and healthy life to those they are supposed to help?