State funding issues (autistic, mental, therapy, developmental)

[dacx]

I have this question before on different threads and in different forums. I have not received a response so I'll try asking it here.

I have worked in the Human Services field for most of my adult life. I'm educated with a bachelors degree and I have worked for about 15 years in direct care. Most of my experience has been with the DD population (both adolescents and adults) although I have also worked with the elderly suffering from dementia, the mentally ill, emotionally disturbed adolescents, the chemically dependant and severe/profoundly handicapped.

I want to stay in this field but move out of direct care and into case management but can't find an area that is strong in funding human services. I don't need to get rich but just compensated fair enough to keep up with the cost of living of that particular area.

Maybe as parents of special needs children you have some insight of which states/cities are good and which are bad. I'm sure not getting answers from anywhere else.

[firefightermom]

Pennsylvania has passed a new law requiring medical coverage for all children with Autism, and has also started some sort of adult autism support also. I would think they have a high need for case management. The state capital is Harrisburg, and here is the website that may help Autism Services (http://www.dpw.state.pa.us/ServicesPrograms/Autism/ - broken link). Don't know if this is exactly what you are looking for, but hope it helps! Good luck.

[dacx]

That helps firefightermom. I have worked with the autistic but most of my experience is with downs syndrome, MMR and the elderly. How is funding in those areas?

Ideally, what I hope to do is what I call a community integration specialist where I help arrange services so people could get out of their house and do things in the community. (ie. shopping, movies, theaters, restaurants, sporting events).

I want to assist in arranging for transportation, arranging for service providers, acquiring adaptive technological or medical equipment etc. While I don't mind being a provider I would hope to find employment with more responsibility such as Case Manager

[firefightermom]

dacx, I'm not sure about other programs, since I haven't had any experience with them. I have spoken to people about wraparound services for my son, and the Mental Health/Mental Retardation department about wraparound services, and I would think they might have more info for you. I found this link Wraparound or BHRS Services (http://www.dpw.state.pa.us/servicesprograms/autism/help/003676342.htm - broken link) that may help, I don't think it's just for autism, but I could be wrong.

You could also check out the Intermediate Units, PA Department of Education Intermediate Units, my son has his preschool speech therapy there but they had a developmentally disables preschool, and classes with all types of special ed kids, downs syndrome etc.

As for elderly, check out http://www.dpw.state.pa.us/ServicesPrograms/MedicalAssistance/SuppServWaivers/003671635.htm (broken link). It sounds maybe like what you mentioned.

Good luck with it; if I find anything else I'll let you know.