Programs and Services
Talking Points - Why are such supports and services needed?
Family support services help strengthen and keep families together. They help provide opportunities for Pennsylvania families to succeed. They can help prevent or reduce unnecessary institutionalization of children with severe disabilities.
Families that care for children with severe disabilities in their homes assume an extraordinary responsibility and challenge both financially and emotionally. Respite care and other support services can relieve some of the stress while maintaining and strengthening the family. Pennsylvania has been a leader in recognizing these factors for a limited number of families - those with a diagnosis of mental retardation and those who care for the elderly.
Families sacrifice to care for their child at home. Over half of the families participating in the mental retardation program are not working or have limited their job choice in order to care for their child. Nearly 60 percent have family incomes of under $30,000 annually.
There are an estimated 63,000 families in Pennsylvania who care for children with severe disabilities. This averages out to more than 300 families in every legislative district and 1,200 in every senatorial district. Each year there will be nearly 2,500 newborns in Pennsylvania who will have a severe disability. These births will occur across family income levels, race or religion and in rural, urban and suburban communities. (Estimates based on national Health Survey and on Pennsylvania census data.)
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