Lasts month NorthJersey.com reporters began a series on residential group homes and the failure of some in caring for the most vulnerable of our residents, severely disabled adults whose families could not care for them due to age, infirmity or the severity of their disabilities. In response, the state Senate Committee on Health & Human Services held hearing on reforms proposed by the state Department of Health & Human Services.
However, group home providers managed to beat back proposed changes to control spending and executive pay. The bill package puts a $250,000 cap for anyone if the group homes operated receive at least $20 million from the state, but in many group homes the staff are not getting paid the $25 per hour they need for a living wage.
And the package is silent on how to handle abuses that occur, and they do occur. The state investigates only 2% of complaints, and many investigators do not meet state requirements for the job. Up to now, medications do not require a nurse’s supervision, something parents say must change. We’re talking about a small number of people, but every person, as a child of God, deserves responsible care.
Prayer for the Day
How, O God, do we care for those unable to care for themselves,
For we are not like Jesus who healed paralytics and lepers;
But we know, O Lord, you call us to care for the weak,
Even as we may be strong and able to care for ourselves.
Do more than awake in us compassion for those afflicted,
And help us engage in the action to protect them that they need.
In the name of the One who healed paralytics and lepers,
Even Christ Jesus our Lord, Amen.
Thoughts for the Day
Most often, these allegations are investigated ... within the agency themselves and by DHS. And essentially, what ends up happening is a situation where it's a fox guarding the henhouse
Yana Mermel, mother of daughter who suffered abuse
This is a positive step forward... It introduces mechanisms of accountability and financial consequences, but it doesn't address the root cause of the problem.
Pat Miller, New Jersey chair of the National Council on Severe Autism
Then justice will dwell in the wilderness, and righteousness abide in the fruitful field.
The effect of righteousness will be peace, and the result quietness and trust
Isaiah 32: 16-17