This is Adrian. When he came to live with his grandparents at age 9, his grandmother, Deborah, says, “It was a nightmare.”
Coming out of a therapeutic home and a traumatic early childhood, Adrian was hyperactive and aggressive. He didn't have an effective medication or treatment plan for his attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). He also had developmental delays.
Though Adrian's grandparents clearly love him and are dedicated to helping him, Deborah admits that taking Adrian in was an intense burden emotionally and financially. Her husband had to retire early because dealing with Adrian's school, his discipline challenges, and the tough process of getting him evaluated and on a plan was more than a full-time job. The family's lost income, coupled with the additional costs for Adrian's necessary therapies and services, was crushing.
“Please don’t send me back,” he kept repeating to his grandparents throughout the tumultuous first year at home. Without some assistance, though, Deborah and her husband knew there would be no way they could continue to care for Adrian at home, as much as they desperately wanted to.
Fortunately, by the next year, Adrian started receiving benefits through Supplemental Security Income (SSI) and Medicaid. Medicaid alone does not cover the full cost of his extensive service needs. That's why SSI so important. For families struggling to care for low-income children with special needs, SSI is critical to fill the gaps and meet the child's needs within an intact family.
Deborah’s goal is for Adrian to be an independent adult someday, and together they are making progress. But it’s still a challenge. Deborah says sometimes it’s like raising two kids, not just one. It takes both grandparents to work with Adrian and his demanding schedule of school, counseling, and other appointments with specialists and doctors.
Most importantly, Deborah says, SSI is meant to help Adrian, and it does just that.
Also See:
In Their Own Words -- Benefits of SSI: This handout briefly highlights seven families' experiences.
How Does Supplemental Security Income (SSI) Make a Difference for Your Child? Tell Your Story!