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Looking for permanent placement for my child what do I do?

Michelle - posted on 08/13/2012 ( 4 moms have responded )

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My second oldest child was born with CP. He is 16 now and the time has come to start looking for a residential facility for him and I have no idea where to start. It's taken a very long time working through my personal guilt issues and setting aside my ego and the heart break to do what is best for him. He needs constant 24 hour supervision and care. I still very much want to be in his life I need help and he is becoming unmanageable and there are increasing safety issues. I hope I'm not judged as a bad mother or a quitter. I just have no idea where to start or what to do and thought maybe someone else had to walk this path already.

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MaryAnn - posted on 08/26/2012

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You are not a bad mother or a quitter! I understand very well the situation you're in. I had a daughter with severe CP. She had a trach and needed 24/7 nursing. We worked with some other families to build a group home with nursing (in IA) because my husband and I wanted her in a home situation. She was unaffected mentally, so being in a long term care placement where most of the clients were mentally disabled would have been difficult for her.



Ultimately, you need to do what's best for him--and for you and your family. The school should be able to give you information on possible living situations in your area (a long term care facility, group homes, etc.). Ask other area parents opinions on facilites; parents are excellent resources too! Look at what each facility has to offer and what your son needs and wants. (ie: crafts, trips to malls, movies, etc, sheltered workshops, etc.)



The internet can also be a great resource. Use Google to search for placements in your area. Good luck in your search! I know it seems overwhelming at first, but I also know you will be able to find a good place for him. You sound like a great mom who's in a tough situation right now; I wish you all the best!

Michelle - posted on 08/25/2012

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I live in Arkansas.

TheSeed - posted on 08/25/2012

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Michelle - where do you live?

Barbara - posted on 08/13/2012

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Ultimately, the goal is for your child or any person to be in the safest, healthiest environment. So as caregiver you are tasked with providing that or finding a placement that can provide the healthy and safe environment. I am not sure where you are located, but your school system (social worker, psychologist), should be a resource. In VA we have a community service board that can point you in the direction of community or residential homes. In my area, there are long waiting lists for good community homes so its good to look into options anyway. Good luck to both of you through this process, I have an 8 yr old with CP and these are issues that we need to educate ourselves on.

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