2014 is a troubling year for 470 disabled adults living in out of state programs as the Return Home initiative is now in full swing. Instead of remaining in successful programs that support their welfare and ability to achieve New Jersey wants to put them into group homes. In addition, in 2012 New Jersey started a five year plan to close two out of our seven developmental centers and placing these residents in group homes . Group homes are not capable of providing for many of the life or death needs presented by some of our more fragile disabled citizens.Also, group homes are not appropriate for everyone and this needs to be evaluated and assessed over time. 

Our daughter was placed out of state because there was no program that could meet her needs in NJ. Placing her in a group home isn’t the answer. Instead without the successful program she is in today she will revert back to the psychotic events that kept her from keeping a job and being independent. Finally,upending those who are psychologically fragile by forcing them to leave a successful residential placement could cause irreparable harm.

 Assemblywoman Valerie Vanieri Huttle, and Senator Robert Gordon initiated bills S2158 and S2249. These bills let disabled residents remain in their current out of state programs who have been living  there 10 years or more and make sure group homes have to match the services each disabled person had before. Both bills won bipartisan support having successfully passed  both assembly and senate. Our Governor however vetoed these bills. 

Governor Christie has stated that once placed in group homes, the disabled persons needs will be met ‘whenever feasible’, in direct opposition to statements from Human Services Commissioner Jennifer Velez. She and other members of her staff testified at budget hearings that “the care would be comparable – no exceptions or conditions.*

New Jersey residents only: please sign this petition asking NJ legislators to override Governor Christies veto and reinstate bills S2158 and S2249. Support doing the right thing for our most vulnerable residents. 

Thank you and G-d bless.

* Susan K livio The Star Ledger August 13th 2014 Families angry Christie vetoed, demanded changes to bills determining where disabled people will live