Parents of severely disabled children in Oregon say end of funding program represents a ‘caregiving emergency’

The longest legislative walkout by Oregon Senate Republicans in state history had meant the death of any number of bills. Now that legislative leaders have reached a framework for a possible deal to bring lawmakers back to the capitol, some may have new life. But the fate of one caregiving proposal was unclear even before the partisan boycott: a bill to allow parent caregivers of severely disabled children to continue to be paid for their work. Advocates say the program, which began in the pandemic, has resulted in dramatically lower health care costs and a reduction in the number of hospitalizations.

According to these parents, “Of families that participated in the parent caregiver program, 80% reported reduced hospitalizations, 73% reported reductions in calls to 911 or crisis intervention, and 82% reported extreme concern about the risks to their children’s health since the program ended in May.”

Parents rallied last week at the capital in an effort to call attention to what they say is truly an emergency, and in lieu of the bill, get support for a budgetary note to continue this funding. We’re joined by Calli Ross, who cares for her 8-year-old son who manages severe disabilities.