Children’s Residential Treatment Facilities – Youth Rights

Youth MOVE Idaho and Disability Rights Idaho have collaborated to create a series of videos to inform youth about their rights to access mental health care. In this video, Madeline, the Youth Programs Coordinator for Youth MOVE Idaho, discusses with Kayla, an attorney from Disability Rights Idaho who is in the youth unit, issues related to Children’s Residential Treatment Facilities (CRTFs). Specifically they discuss: 1. What is a CRTF? 2. What are the different levels of youth mental health care? 3. Are youth sometimes sent to unsafe or ineffective CRTFs? 4. What are a minor’s rights while in CRTFs? 5. … Continue reading Children’s Residential Treatment Facilities – Youth Rights

Why should you vote?

Because as Valerie says “We can make something better” for voters will all disabilities, including those with mental illness. Click here to read the full article: https://www.ndrn.org/story/we-can-make-something-better/

Tera’s Story

My name is Tera and I am very grateful that DisAbility Rights Idaho helped me become more independent.  I love my parents, but they were my guardians and made too many decisions for me.  Sometimes they did not let me go even though   the activity was supervised and safe.  I became angry and frustrated with this situation. Perhaps I needed a guardian when I was young but I have learned new skills and make better decisions now.  I lived in a certified family home for the last six years and had a good job.  I felt that I had  learned … Continue reading Tera’s Story

Matthew’s Story

I would like to express my appreciation to DisAbility Rights Idaho and especially Dina Flores-Brewer, for their assistance.  My foster child has significant social skills and behavioral problems dating to early childhood.  I allowed the school to enroll him in the EXCEL program, which was presented as an opportunity for the special attention on social skills he needed.  It was quickly apparent that my child’s problems were made worse by how he was treated instead of making them better.  Worse still, since he was segregated away from his peers for most of the day, without good role models, he was … Continue reading Matthew’s Story

Sandy’s Story

I am Sandy* and I now use a wheelchair because of a recent accident.  When it came time to purchase a wheelchair, I knew getting the right one was important for my recovery.  My doctors and therapists recommended an ultra-lightweight wheelchair.  This wheelchair was necessary because it provided the right seating system and allowed me to use it for longer periods without tiring.  It also would prevent damage to my arms and shoulders caused by repetitive use. Medicaid, however, saw it differently and only agreed to fund a heavier wheelchair without the proper seating system.  I tried to fight this … Continue reading Sandy’s Story

Stephanie’s Story

My name is Stephanie and thanks to DRI I have a job, medical coverage, and money to pay my mortgage. If you have ever faced being sick, unemployed, and without medical coverage, you know how desperate I felt.  Carpel tunnel syndrome caused me to lose my job and medical coverage.  Therefore, I could not pay for the surgery needed to correct it.   I applied for Social Security benefits but was denied.  I felt sure I would be homeless soon! I heard about DisAbility Rights Idaho and called right away.  A DRI attorney agreed to appeal my Social Security denial.  She … Continue reading Stephanie’s Story