I worked for many,many years with adolescent children who lived in care facilities. They had physical and developmental disabilities. These are usually for profit organizations, though some are not. They have to really cut corners in order to cover their expenses, and really,really cut corners in order to make a profit. The employees were low paid people, who often had to work without the equipment,like hoists, needed to help these youngsters. It is hard work and involves toileting and feeding, as well as positioning. There is often minimum staff, and if someone calls in sick, less than minimum staff.

Some of my kids died while living in these homes, even the well-run, caring homes. I called in CPS, licensing agencies, school nurses, to no avail. One of my co-workers did the same and was told, that all was in order in the home, when it was obvious from the condition of the children that it was not. This is a tiny step in the right direction. I hope it is the first of many steps to improve all aspects of care homes.

I deeply appreciate your comments and understand the often terrible realities of care facilities. I also understand the frustration encountered with trying to right wrongs in the system. My hope is that everyone who has the the horrible misfortune of having a loved one encounter any one of these wrongs will do the RIGHT THING. Speak up, ADVOCATE until someone will listen and act. That is the only way we have a hope of making these care facilities safe for our beloved families and friends.

Thank you for your advocacy regarding this bill, Denise. Having a person go missing is terrifying and can have tragic results, which is magnified a thousand times when that individual lacks the capacity for reasoning and problem solving regarding their circumstance.

This is a long time coming, and will provide support to so many!