Cost of residential placement for autistic child

[Telesis_2000]

What is the name of your state?This posting involves the State NJ.

My wife and I are the adoptive parents of a 15 yo boy who is in residential placement (out of state) due to behaviorial issues caused by autism that impact among other things his educational opportunities. NJ Div. of Youth & Family Services (DYFS), NJ Div of Developmental Delays (DDD) and the local School District have all participated in the development of his IEP.

All parties have agreed that this residential placement is necessary in order to provide the 24/7 support system and the educational efforts.

At present, the School District is paying for the "educational component", DYFS is paying for the "residential" portion, and we are paying child support to the State to partly reimburse the State for their expenses. The State is in the process of seeking additional support to the tune of nearly $1200 per month.

I am interested in learning under what circumstances, the residential placement (agreed to by all parties) would be considered part of the educational requirements since it is necessary to provide the "conventional" elements normally associated with "school".

 

[rmet4nzkx]

I'm sorry I didn't see this until today nor saw yours from the other day https://forum.freeadvice.com/showthread.php?t=294656
Gennerally it is better to keep one thread going than to start another one. I am going to ask some questions. Here you say Autism, in the other thread you say, Autism Spectrum Disorder believe it or not, that can make a big difference in your ability to access services and what behavioral and medical interventions may be successful. What medications does your son take and which ones can he not tolerate and or are D/C. I ask these in part because these facts may affect your child's placement. Have you contacted an organizations for Autism Spectrum Disorders for suggestions? It is my understanding that in some cases, in order to obtain services parents have to terminate their parental rights. In your case, since the child was adopted this may be possible and to also retain some visitaiton, your son will be an adult in 3 years. ANother possibility is when will either you or your wife become 62 years old? Do you have a 401K or special needs trust for your child? How old was your child when you adopted him and did you know he was a special needs child?