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Legislative
Focus 2009
The Arc of Massachusetts
Massachusetts Families Organizing for Change
FY’09 Budget Priorities
FLEXIBLE FAMILY SUPPORT
Department of Mental Retardation
Line Item 5920-3000
The Issue
This DMR funded program serves an unduplicated count of 13,247 families
(estimated April 2007). That count includes 4,600 adults and 8,647 children
under 18. The Family Support account is reserved for those individuals
who live at home with their families. People with cognitive disabilities
have a range of issues. Families generally ask for only those supports
that will keep the family together and reduce the stress of raising a
child with a disability: respite; adaptive clothing (diapers, shoes);
adaptive equipment (shower stalls, ramps, furniture); in home support;
support for community inclusion - whatever it takes to keep the family
member comfortable in the family home as well as productive and engaged
in their community. Flexible Family Support is considered one of the most
cost effective programs in the Commonwealth. Families report that the
limited supports they receive have been the pivotal reason the family
member is able to stay at home.
The Impact
It is common for people with multiple disabilities living with their
families to go into crisis. Marriages dissolve, caretakers get sick, able
bodied children feel ignored. The funding for this program helps families
endure crises and remain intact. When supports are not available, families
seek alternative care for their loved one. For children, they may go into
a residential school; for adults, the family may request a 24/7 community
residential placement. The cost differential between keeping a person
with a serious disability at home with their family vs. moving into a
residential placement can be astronomical. Private residential placements
can easily reach $150,000 per year. Adult residential programs are in
the vicinity of $65,000 per year. In contrast, most families receiving
Flexible Family Supports cost the state less than $1000.00 per year.
Though the Family Support program serves the largest number
of individuals, the funding allocated is less than five percent of the
Department of Mental Retardation budget. Other than $500,000 added in
the FY ‘06 budget, this account had been level funded for the past eight
years. However, there is a serious waiting list and many young families
have no idea that such a program exists to help them. A 3000 family wait
list is estimated by state officials.
Action Requested
An investment of $3,000,000 will reach a minimum of 1500 families,
half of the existing wait list. Fund line 5920-3000 at $58,044,228 to
support families raising their family members with disabilities at home.
 Legislative
Focus 2009
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