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Happy One Year Placement Anniversary David

Ironically, the day after we receive notice of denial of coverage of services for our son, is the anniversary of his placement at the current facility. It has been one year since we placed David in a facility 500 miles from home. Today, I am struggling with the stress of not knowing where we are at with my youngest son’s mental health treatment. The denial of continued care is weighing heavily on my mind, and it will be Tuesday before I can file any appeals. He deserves better than this from the system that is responsible in part for his care. When we adopted him, he was ordered by the court to have complete state sponsored medical coverage until he turns 18. This is Medicaid. It isn’t safe for anyone for him to come home. Even the staff that works with him day to day has said that. A month

update – positive news

Staff called tonight. David was in a good place to talk to me tonight. When he is manic, it just isn’t a good idea. David addressed his concerns. Doesn’t want to be there for another 6 months to a year. Thinks that he is being lied to. Doesn’t understand why we aren’t coming out for Christmas. Wants a Nintendo DS for Christmas. In truth. Before David can come home, not only does he need to work his treatment plan, but he also needs to avoid outbursts, and learn to identify when he is starting a manic episode if he can. In addition to that, before he can come home, there needs to exist, a residence that is similar to the facility he is in currently. One that will provide him a step-down or transition to home. A place from where we can stage home visits. Where

upcoming visit to see our son for Christmas

Today, I leave for the community where our son is in a residential facility. It is 500 miles each way. 10 hours by bus. When you have an auto-immune illness the trip takes twice as long. Frequent breaks are needed. Lots of rest periods. If I drive, I take it in two days with a hotel stay each way. In the end, it will be worth it. This is the eleventh month of him being in this particular facility. Every time we talk he mentions that he wants to come home. While I wish that I could be bringing him home this trip, in reality that isn’t going to happen. While he has made significant gains, it isn’t enough. When the time comes, we will need a step-down facility. A step-down facility is a transition between the current environment, and home. An intermediate placement if you will. If he