The safety and well-being of the very low functioning autistic adults are at stake in the group homes. The shortages of staff in the New Jersey group homes are so great that at times that in order to maintain a minimum staff level, employees work two to three or even four consecutive eight-hour shifts. New group homes are being opened without providing adequate staffing, programs and outdoor activities for the autistic in the existing homes.
On the surface everything looks good, but maybe one should start looking to what really takes place behind closed doors. Much emphasis is placed on impression, but how about addressing the issues of staffing shortages, use of restraints, accountability and better communication between the state, profit, nonprofit agencies and the relatives of the severely autistic adults.
At this time my main concern is the safety and well-being of these severely autistic adults who are not known to the world or able to make the world aware as to what really takes place behind closed doors.
It is imperative that the safety and well-being of these autistic adults be addressed immediately before more incidents occur.
Marie Liebehenz
Freehold