California Autism Coalition Position On IHSS Cuts

        The California Autism Coalition opposes the Governor's proposed elimination of In Home Supportive Services (IHSS) for relatives.   IHSS is a cost-effective alternative to costly out of home placements for children with severe disabilities.  Many parents, grandparents and relatives of people with disabilities have given up their livelihood to care for a child with a disability.  It is difficult to hire a non-relative to care for a person with a disability on IHSS wages. IHSS wages are close to minimum wage. IHSS workers get no benefits, no vacation, and no sick pay.

        If family caregivers no longer receive IHSS they will be forced to place their child or family member with a disability in a group home or an institution.   This will result in families breaking apart and will be a much more costly alternative to retaining IHSS.  The elimination of IHSS for relatives makes no fiscal sense and will not bring more money into the budget.  In fact, it will have the opposite effect of costing the taxpayers of California more money as families are forced to give up their children for costly out of home placements. IHSS wages for a family are typically less than $1,000 a month while out of home placements are many times this amount.

        Many children with autism rely on IHSS to stay at home with a loving parent or relative.  Many children with disabilities who are placed in out-of-home placements or with non-relative caregivers are abused.  IHSS allows parents to have peace of mind that their child will be cared for in a loving, supportive home environment, and not with strangers who may not have patience with children who may be non-verbal and lack basic skills, such as being toilet trained or knowing how to communicate their basic needs.

        IHSS is a necessary service for families with children with severe disabilities.  The California Autism Coalition implores the Governor and legislators to retain this service and to commit themselves to keeping children with disabilities at home with their families.  The alternatives are inhumane as well as tremendously short-sighted.  The long term costs to the State of California far outweigh any ostensible short-term benefits to our current budget crisis.  Please do not succumb to political pressures that will tear families apart and leave our children with disabilities in out of home placements or with strangers to care for them.

MEMBER GROUPS OF THE CALIFORNIA AUTISM COALITION

Who We Are and How To Contact Us:

      The California Autism Coalition is comprised of organizations which represent, support and advocate for individuals affected with autism spectrum disorders and their families. We unite to protect and advance their rights to services, treatments, research, and support. We are committed to a society that values all people and supports their rights to dignity, freedom, choice, quality of life, and the opportunity to reach full potential.

      For questions or additional information about the California Autism Coalition, contact Sherlene Allen, 818-445-4022, Fax: 818-688-3959; P.O. Box 55036, Valencia, CA 91355 or email Debbie Hosseini hosseini58@cox.net to join our listserve AutismCA@yahoogroups.com