Commit to funds for the most vulnerable
It’s hard for average families to fathom what would drive a mother to abandon her disabled daughter (“Algonquin mom: Leaving disabled woman in Tennessee was best,” July 7). Yet, this story is repeated across the country often with “murder-suicide” being the escape for those involved.
Advocacy and politics have reduced specialized care, leading to long waiting lists and predictable tragedies. Sometimes tragedy is at the hands of stressed out, overwrought family caregivers — often elderly parents caring for middle-aged children. Other headlines detail tragedy at the hands of underpaid, untrained staff who, by accident or design, harm the fragile people in their charge.
No matter the reason, these tragedies are preventable. Americans must commit the resources necessary to providing needy citizens the services they require in care settings best able to accommodate their needs. Very often, that is not the family home or even a small group home. Mothers like Eva Cameron should not have to abandon their children to be heard. Visit www.vor.net to find help.
Julie Huso
VOR executive director
Elk Grove Village