Residential Facility

Where learning doesn’t stop at the end of the school day. 

Discussion

This type of option is where the student with disabilities will leave secondary school for another way of learning. The parents should assess the child if it needs to undergo this type of learning due to the lack of facilities offering this kind of service, it may take months or years before they can avail of the service.  

Three major factors will influence the types of services available to persons with disabilities. 

First, some residential services are available only to those who are eligible for medical assistance and county mental retardation services. 

Second, service options are based on the level of care needed. The family subsidy program aids families in keeping children with disabilities at home rather than placing them in a residential facility. For those who need some supervision and training to live independently but do not need care 24 hours a day, semi-independent Living Services (SILLS) may be an option. Community-based waivered services or placement in an intermediate care facility (group home) are options for persons who need 24-hour supervision. 

The third factor influencing the type of residential services available is the funding level for the programs. Unfortunately, the need for residential facilities far outweighs the availability of these resources. Some of this is due to a lack of funding, but there has also been tremendous resistance on the part of local communities to have such residences in their midst (not in my backyard). Historically, costly and lengthy legal fights have addressed this issue. 

This is why parents should avail of the service earlier so they can avail its service. 

Emphasis

A “residential placement” is a facility in which the student essentially lives at the school site and is in 24-hour custody. Residential schools are a type of therapeutic placement, and they provide a therapeutic component to address the student’s mental health needs in conjunction with addressing the core educational curriculum and academics.