Question
Thank you for the very infromative slide presentation.  I would like to know where these group living situations and agencies that work with the clients are located.  the Laconia and Conway agencies told my family there werent' any group homes in NH, but they could place my sister in foster care!  My mother and sister moved to RI.  Both of my MR sisters are living in wonderful homes each with three other clients with similar disabilities/abilities.  Looking forward to hearing back from you again.  
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The text above is a follow-up to ...

-----Question-----
Hello Mr. Eriquezzo.  I'm curious to know where adults with mental handicaps like retardation can live when they become adults or have to leave their home because of parental death.  I find the schools in NH work with the students while in school, but as soon as they reach 21... they get the boot right out of school.... if it's a Wednesday in mid November or April.  If you don't live in a city like Nashua or Manchester, where do these people go?  what is there for them to do? I have had some experience with two agencies in central NH, and find them to be quite useless! Any suggestions?  I've heard people say, " If you have a child with a handicap in NH, you might as well move!"  That's a pretty blunt statement about New Hampshire.  Thanks for your time.  Respectfully, Pat
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Hi Pat.

I think there are many opportunities for in NH for young adults with MR to live a good life in their community. The most common support mechanisms come through small 2-3 bed group homes, supported apartments, enhanced family care (sometimes referred to as adult foster care), family support, and even home ownership.

The challenges that we face in NH when considering these options tend to be lack of affordable housing (and accessible housing for those who have impaired mobility), and lack of state funding. NH has a fairly long waiting list for people with developmental disabilities who are in need of services.


Here抯 some interesting facts about NH抯 DD services (the last two slides sum it up):

http://iod.unh.edu/NewHampshireADD2005b.ppt

New Hampshire抯 situation may be troublesome, but some of our neighboring states are no better.

If you have some more specific follow-up questions, please let me know.

Jon


Answer
Hi again Pat,

Well, there are group homes in NH (I know this because I run quite a few of them), so I抦 not sure what they meant by that. Perhaps there were no group homes in those regions that had vacancies?

It would be difficult for me to speak for the Lakes Region Community Services Council in Laconia and Northern Human Services in Conway regarding their ability to serve folks. Group home placements can be more expensive than foster care placements, and foster care placements can be more readily available, so it抯 understandable why that might be offered.

If you're interested in who is providing services in those areas, you can request an 揳pproved vendor list?from each of those area agencies. Also, if you would like a list of group homes in those areas, you can contact the Bureau of Developmental Services at: 1-800-852-3345 x5034, and they should be able to provide you with a list.

Let me know if you have any more questions.

Jon