There is a CRISIS going on right now in human services- particularly in service agencies providing services to individuals with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities. 

Our staffing rates are falling at ALARMING rates. Utah is currently estimating the annual turnover rate for DSP's is 80%. Turnover is an ongoing challenge, but the system has never before been unable to replace staff who leave at these levels. The inability to hire staff at this level of turnover has driven vacancies to dangerous levels.  

Direct Support Staff deserve a living wage. On a daily basis, they deal with medications, personal hygiene, social, emotional, and behavioral support, lifting, caring, and in essence- keeping our individuals alive. This is NOT a MINIMUM WAGE JOB.  Research has shown that staffing shortages lead to abuse, neglect, and exploitation of individuals served. Individuals are highly affected by our staffing shortages and need our help! 

Providers have put forth herculean efforts to recruit and retain staff, but the current level of burnout, exhaustion, and inability to keep up with mainstream wages has been detrimental to provider's ability to find and keep staff. We need support from our legislatures to raise wages to livable, fair wages for what our DSPs do and we need the help NOW. 

Our current staffing situation needs IMMEDIATE ACTION. Please help!