Today, I testified in support of Senate Bill 391 for AADD to the Senate Judiciary Committee. SB 391 would give youth who have developmental disabilities, have been charged with committing a crime,and are deemed incompetent to stand trial, an alternative and secure community based placement instead of a forensic setting.
The state is closing most of the forensic units for youth, and the Department of Behavioral Health is wanting to change to more community based type facilities to serve this small group of youth. The bill saves taxpayer dollars by keeping these kids out of more costly placements and provides treatment in the least restrictive environment.
The bill passed out of the Senate Judicial Committee today and will next go to the Senate Rules Committee.
Also, Senate Bill 22 made it out of the Senate Rules Committee and will go to the Senate Floor for a vote tomorrow. AADD supports SB 22 and believes that getting the state agencies together that provide transportation to people who are aging and people with disabilities would only serve to help create a more efficient system.
More tomorrow, as the Nurse Practice Act goes in front of a House Subcommittee. - Rita
All About Developmental Disabilities (AADD) is Atlanta's preeminent resource on developmental disabilities, providing support services to families for more than 55 years. We are often the one place where people with developmental disabilities can go to achieve personal empowerment, family stability and community participation. AADD provides family support; public policy and advocacy; and community engagement.
1 comment:
Transporation is an immediate, desparate need for my 21 year old son with autism. He is getting job offers, but we have not been able to accept because I would have to quit my job to get him too and from work. He needs transportation assistance and Marta doesn't always work.
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