Randy Pettapiece, MPP for Perth Wellington.  Photo courtesy of Martin Dendekker.Randy Pettapiece, MPP for Perth Wellington. Photo courtesy of Martin Dendekker.
Midwestern

MPP Pettapiece Seeks Answers To Funding Cuts For Families

Perth-Wellington MPP Randy Pettapiece is calling on Minister of Community and Social Services Helena Jaczek to address funding cuts to families and adults with developmental disabilities.

As it stands right now, funding for individuals with developmental disabilities is discontinued as soon as they turn 18-years-old.

And MPP Pettapiece feels this is just wrong.

The move comes on the heels of an August 2016 report by the Ontario Ombudsman that calls the government's response to situation's of crisis involving such families "unreasonable and wrong."

"We've spoken to parents that have raised and looked after these children with developmental disabilities for all of their life and now when they turn 18, you know some of those parents have had to quit their jobs to look after that child and so that puts further pressure on the family," Pettapiece tells CKNX News.

The ombudsman's report made 60 recommendations and Pettapiece says he wants to know what the minister's plans are, including timeline, to implement those recommendations and make the necessary changes that will benefit these affected families.

"The ministry, for some reason, has this cut-off date at 18 years old and then it can take a year or two to get the funding back so, they know the problem is there, but why they haven't fixed it yet is really the question I want to know of the minister," says Pettapiece.

Jaczek is required to respond to MPP Pettapiece's question within 24 legislative business days.

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