INDIVIDUALS WITH DEVELOPMENTAL DISABILITIES FORGOTTEN BY WYNNE GOVERNMENT

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SARNIA, ON— The Ontario Liberal Government’s failure to take action and look for ways to provide adequate services and supports for parents and families caring for adult children with developmental disabilities will ultimately create a crisis in Ontario, says Sarnia-Lambton MPP Bob Bailey.

“Splitting up families with adult children who have developmental disabilities isn’t an acceptable answer, and shouldn’t be happening in Ontario in 2013,” said MPP Bailey.

This past June, a mother in Ottawa made headlines for leaving her 19 year old son at a provincial developmental services office in an act of desperation. Last September, two local families garnered national attention after making the gut wrenching decision to relinquish the care of their high needs, developmentally disabled children, because the government supports simply weren’t there. These three cases, while highly publicized, are just an example of the growing number in the province and highlight the desperation of these families and  the urgent need to address how Ontario supports people caring for adult children with developmental disabilities. 

In April, PC MPP Christine Elliott, and members of the Legislative Assembly of Ontario unanimously passed a motion calling for the creation of a select committee to immediately develop a comprehensive services strategy for children, youth and young adults in Ontario with a developmental disability.  However, despite the unanimous show of support from all parties in the legislature, Kathleen Wynne and her Liberal Government have refused to strike the committee, leaving many parents without options.

“Frankly, I am frustrated. Each time I meet with a family in this situation, I know the realities of how the current dysfunctional system operates and it’s heart-wrenching to see families go through it;” said MPP Bailey. “The legislature has done its job. Kathleen Wynne needs to get out of the way and let the committee meet and investigate this complex issue and find options for these families. Families are stronger when they stick together and we should facilitate that.”

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For more information, contact:

David Donovan | 416-325-1715 | david.donovan@pc.ola.org | www.bobbaileympp.com