State Offers Program to Parents with Autistic Children

By Edward Mason
Staff writer
Eagle Tribune

BOSTON – The Massachusetts Department of Mental Retardation is accepting applications for parents of autistic children to join the state’s three-year autism waiver program.

The DMR will accept the applications Nov. 5 through Nov. 16. Eighty low-income children from across the state will be selected through a lottery to receive a waiver for up to $25,000 in benefits.

To be eligible, a child must have a confirmed diagnosis of an autism spectrum disorder. Those include autistic disorder, Rhett’s Syndrome, childhood disintegrative disorder and Asperger’s Syndrome.

The child also must be under 9 years old, a Massachusetts resident, eligible for MassHealth and able to be served safely in the community.

The waiver covers an individualized autism support care plan to help families determine their child’s needs and specific services.

There are an estimated 10,000 autistic children in Massachusetts. Rep. Barbara A. L’Italien, D-Andover, an autism advocate, said the program will help autistic children.

“All the research suggests if we get to children early on and give them support with education, communicating and managing their behavior, they have a much better chance of maximizing their potential,” L’Italien said.

Children selected through the lottery will be assessed for financial need and clinical eligibility.

To apply, parents from the Merrimack Valley, Cape Ann and the North Shore must go through the North Shore ARC at 6 Southside Road in Danvers. The telephone number is 978-777-9135, ext. 2301.

The waiver is a combination of federal and state matching funds. The state receives $1 million for every $2 million it appropriates. Right now, the waiver lasts just three years to ensure turnover so more children can participate. L’Italien said she hopes the state spends more money on the program in the future so more children can be eligible.

“My hope is that we’ll grow this program,” L’Italien said.

HOUSE UNANIMOUSLY APPROVES FAR-REACHING LEGISLATION TO PROTECT CHILDREN FROM ABUSE AND NEGLECT

Bill Is End Result of More Nearly Two Years of Research, Deliberation

BOSTON – Representative Barbara L’Italien (D-Andover) today announced the House of Representatives passed significant legislation to toughen the laws meant to protect our most vulnerable children from abuse and neglect and ensure that children’s protection is at the top of the state’s agenda with a new cabinet secretary dedicated solely to child welfare.

The bill also requires a comprehensive five-year plan to take on the tough issues in child welfare as identified by Speaker Salvatore F. DiMasi’s House Committee on Child Abuse and Neglect last year – from racial disparities and mandated reporting to family engagement models and Department of Social Service caseloads. In addition, the bill establishes minimum educational requirements for social workers and their supervisors, orders training of mandatory reporters and increased criminal penalties.

“After many rigorous hearings, the special Committee on Child Abuse and Neglect offered recommendations to reform the DSS system and today the House stood united to adopt those recommendations. This bill will set the Commonwealth on a course to heightened oversight and increased protection for the most state’s most vulnerable children,” said Representative L’Italien.

“Today, the House took bold action for those who most need our help – our most vulnerable children,” said Speaker DiMasi, the lead author of the legislation. “This bill is a bold and significant step forward to protect our children from the horrific cases of abuse and neglect that, for far too long, have become commonplace in our neighborhoods and on the front pages of our newspapers.”

“This legislation is the first step down a path to serious reform. The House passed this bill in order to promote the safety and wellbeing of our most at risk children and to take a system that is now fragmented and install a cohesive organization in its place,” said Representative John Rogers (D-Norwood), chairman of the special Committee on Child Abuse and Neglect.

The bill, which now proceeds to the Senate, is the result of nearly two years of detailed research, extensive public hearings and debate that was prompted by the horrific details of the abuse allegedly endured by 11-year-old Haleigh Poutre of Westfield.

As that case unfolded, Speaker DiMasi called on the House Committee on Post Audit and Oversight to conduct an investigation. The Post Audit Report, shared with DSS and key stakeholders, prompted the formation of the special House Committee on Child Abuse and Neglect, chaired by Leader Rogers, which was tasked to find legislative solutions.

That committee conducted a series of public hearings and, in March, released a groundbreaking report, “First, Do No Harm,” which detailed the recommendations codified in the bill passed by the House today.

“This has been an extensive process by design because the changes we passed today are meant to have a real, direct impact on the care received by the children of the Commonwealth,” Speaker DiMasi said. “I urge the Senate and Governor to quickly embrace this legislation so these important changes can be made as soon as possible.”

HOUSE PASSES BILL TO ESTABLISH FIXED BUFFER ZONE AROUND REPRODUCTIVE HEALTH CLINICS

Bill will secure safety of clinic patrons and clarify ambiguities in current law

Boston – Representative Barbara L’Italien (D-Andover) today announced the House of Representatives passed legislation to establish a 35-foot buffer zone around reproductive health clinics in Massachusetts. The legislation builds on existing law to more than double the size of the current buffer zone and establish a fixed rather than floating no-protest area, 35 feet from the property line of a clinic.

“This is a public safety bill, first and foremost. Individuals seeking treatment at a reproductive health facility have the right to demand that their safety is secured and extending the buffer zone is an important part of preserving that right,” said Representative L’Italien.

“The buffer zone was desperately needed when it became law and it is clear that our law now needs to be strengthened,” said Speaker Salvatore F. DiMasi. “The women who want health services and the people who provide those services should be free to do so without fear of assault, harassment or intimidation.”

“We have worked to ensure that this new buffer zone bill meets Constitutional muster, balancing First Amendment rights with the rights of individuals to safely access a reproductive health care facility,” said Representative Michael Costello (D-Newburyport), Chairman of the Committee on Public Safety and Homeland Security.

This bill strengthens the existing law – which established an 18-foot buffer zone. Legislators have received numerous complaints that the current zone does not protect women from harassment as they enter clinics. Protesters can currently be within the so-called buffer zone as long as they are not within six feet of an entering patient or staff member and can be within that zone if they have the individual’s consent.

Complaints have reportedly included protesters dressing as police officers, blocking access to doors, screaming at patients inside the zone and other tactics.

Under the new bill, no one will be allowed to stand inside the 35 foot radius except people entering or leaving the clinic, law enforcement officials and people using the public sidewalk or street as a right-of-way to get to another destination.