Some admissions and progress

DHHS has agreed to make a one off payment to help cover the money that the family had to pay to get the current system of supports up and running. DHHS has agreed to reinstate the existing ISP payment schedule and allow it to continue until such time as the family “advise the department that the family is no longer able to support Luke within your approved funding allocation.” DHHS has admitted that it did not ever have any alternative accommodation or support arrangements in place for Luke and that it had “no intention of coming to pick up Luke in a big white van”. It would seem that there is still no other agency, not even DHHS itself that is willing and able to provide the supports that Luke needs within the budgetary constraints being imposed by DHHS. The DREAM TEAM still is - the DREAM TEAM – worthy of our ongoing support. JustForLuke will continue to operate with a deficit (funded by Lukes family and friends) until such time as the family can secure more income from DHHS or they can create some other funding sources. The family is considering a way to cut costs by sharing their resources (the farm, the systems, and indeed - members of the Dream Team) with other people who need (and can pay) for the support they may be able to offer. Talks with the Minister Martin Foley are due to take place next week about the future funding for Lukes disability supports.