A new study of adult disability centers by two reporters from NorthJersey.com reveals some very disturbing information about the care or lack of it by many of the 132 adult residential centers for persons with severe developmental disabilities. Calls for help to the state ombudsman with responsibility for these centers have increased threefold over the past five years but many still live with poor care that borders on the dangerous.
The state spends $1.5 billion annually, but there is little oversight. Staff are poorly paid and trained. In some cases, there is inadequate medical care, and in others, even abuse. More than 8,000 vulnerable adults live in such residential centers, which largely police themselves with little, if any, accountability.
As Christians we are called to care for the most vulnerable, those persons who often cannot speak for themselves. The report is very disturbing. Parents wonder what will happen to their children after they die, and few have other children who can oversee the care of their siblings. As the report series unfolds, we must ask our state legislators for serious answers to serious questions.
Prayer for the Day
You, who summons the earth from the rising of the sun
And keeps us in your heart until the sun sets no more,
Impart to us your wisdom, immerse us in your justice
So we reflect your will and your mercy.
Empower us to show your care for all our children,
Especially those who cannot care for themselves.
In the name of the One who calls us to care,
Even Jesus Christ our Lord, Amen.
Thoughts for the Day
The world cares more about disability than disabled people.
Warwick Davis, English actor, a dwarf
Being disabled should not mean being disqualified from having access to every aspect of life.
Emma Thompson, British actress
Friends, think of what you were when you were called. Not many of you were wise by human standards; not many were influential; not many were of noble birth. But God chose the foolish things of the world to shame the wise; God chose the weak things of the world to shame the strong.
Paul, in his letter to the Corinthians 1:26-28