Georgia mom fights in opposition to the Division of Well being for assist with son

The challenge is that doctors don’t always know how to express the support services that help keep the child healthy. It is clear what medications or treatments can help with a physical disability, but behavioral therapies and housekeeping that help with bathing and quality of life are often not considered when assessing medical needs. Goico often has to step in.

“If a doctor says that this child needs behavioral support at home because it is impossible for the parents to stay up around the clock just to keep their child safe and healthy, then I would say that is not a convenience . It is medically necessary, ”explained Goico.

Once that need is identified, she says, “The state must not only provide or make these services available, but also help families access them. It’s not enough to say you give a mom or dad, here is a list of providers with some phone numbers. Call 50 and see what you get. That won’t work, ”said Goico.

But Manning says that’s exactly what she experienced. If that’s the case, Goico says Georgia is breaking the law. In reality, there are no consequences if states fail to meet needs, apart from a lawsuit from a family struggling for services.