Parents of children with developmental disabilities in Washington state are worried that the Parent to Parent program, which provides support and resources, may be eliminated due to budget troubles. The program, which has been in operation since 1980, pairs newer parents with more experienced ones to help guide them through the complicated system of resources and provide support and community.

Program Services

The program offers various services, including therapies, doctors to get an official diagnosis, caregiving, educational and employment help, Social Security support for people with disabilities, and other safety net resources. For example, Jenna Vogel, a mother of a child with autism, was able to get caregiving services for her son through the program.

Advocates for people with developmental disabilities are frustrated with the process, as decisions on spending cuts are usually subject to public hearings in the Legislature. “We didn’t get any of that notice,” said Stacy Dym, executive director of The Arc of Washington State. “We just got told that the contract is under review, and there’s a good chance it won’t be renewed.”

The program’s contract only runs through August, and the state Department of Social and Health Services has not made any funding decisions for the program. The agency spokesperson said that budget conversations are ongoing and must consider state and federal funding.

Original reporting: Renton Reporter — read the source article.