The Challenge
My family moved to Ada County in Oct 2020 from Florida. Prior to the move, our youngest son had a comfortable group of therapies and services in FL. At 14, we thought he was capable of the move, and he thought so too. We didn’t realize the challenges we would face. We were able to transfer his Medicaid without problems and even found some services. What we didn't realize is that in Idaho the DD (Developmental Delay) and the mental health issues he was encountering would be addressed by different systems of care. Learning to navigate two new systems to meet his many needs was a challenge.
Finding my voice
Finally, somebody mentioned the YES program. We read about it, and still confused, we called Idaho Federation of Families Family Support Line. I learned the next steps to take and after evaluation we were notified our son was in the YES program. For months we didn't know what that meant (and neither did his doctors). We found an agency that offered services through YES but they were not a good fit since they did not understand his DD.
I now advocate for our son to find services that meet his developmental disabilities, adoption trauma history, and other complex needs. It doesn't work to treat the one without understanding the other needs. I am still asking questions and trying to find the right fit for services for both DD and mental health. We wish there could be one group to understand all components.
What I learned
I have found that belonging to a support group like FYI Adoption Support & other groups is a must. I join zoom chats, read the Department of Health and Welfare websites, and ask questions over & over again. I hope to see more people involved with the Idaho Federation of Families and join the zoom meetings. We can share so much information that way. Together we need a clearer understanding of the YES program and services so we can explain it better to others.
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