Parent caregivers of minors with developmental disabilities are fighting for employment eligibility as paid caregivers.  In 2020, 38 states provided this support during the public health emergency,  due to it's success 27 states have now made it a permanent program.

In Washington State, Medicaid eligible children under the age of 18 who require caregiver support to live safely in the community cannot hire their natural, adoptive, or stepparents  to be paid for their caregiver labor. However, Medicaid eligible adults over the age of 18 who require caregiver support to live safely in the community can hire their natural, adoptive, or stepparents to be a paid caregiver.

Because of the well-documented caregiver shortages in our state and in our country, and because of the pervasive lack of accommodations and supports in childcare and school settings, parenting a developmentally disabled child means that at least one parent must dedicate their entire day toward providing basic caregiving supports to their child for 18 years of the child’s life. And the parents of minors must do the caregiving work without pay. Caregiving continues to be “women’s work” and as such, is unseen, unpaid, and deprioritized. Further, this policy omission leaves single parents, women of color, poor people, and families experiencing language access barriers uniquely exposed to the financial burdens families of loved ones with developmental disabilities face.

FOR MORE INFORMATION, VISIT:

One Pager: English, Spanish - Download and send to legislators

Community Organizing Letter: Organizations, add your logo to show your support

Advocacy Toolkit Document: English, Spanish, Russian, Marshallese - Talking points for advocates and more

FAQ: English, Spanish, Russian, Marshallese- Answers to our most asked questions

Slidedeck: English, Spanish, Marshallese - A great educational tool for presentations and meetings

Questions? Email us:  ParentsEmpoweringParentsWA@gmail.com