Government Is Aware of Family Hardships

The article “Lonely Struggle with Child’s Handicap Destroyed Family” (Dec. 1) suggests that the government is unaware of the hardships facing families in Orange County.

I would like to point out that the Individuals With Disabilities Education Act recognizes the need for family support services and provides funds to the states to plan for a statewide coordinated comprehensive multidisciplinary early intervention system for infants and toddlers. The Federal Office of Special Education provides funds to the State Department of Developmental Services, the lead agency in California, which in turn provides funds to local areas to plan for coordinated services and support to families.

In Orange County, an interagency council known as CRIBS, Coordination of Resources to Infants for Better Service, is made up of more than 40 members of public and private agencies, and parents who care for developmentally delayed children.

For the past three years, the council has sponsored trainings, workshops, classes and provided information to families about the availability and accessibility of services.

Professionals from a number of the agencies providing early intervention services have volunteered hours, not only to share information but also to provide child care so that parents can attend trainings.

As coordinator for this project, I agree families are faced with a struggle when they try to negotiate the system. Recognizing the task facing families and their need for support, CRIBS has developed a Family Resource Center that offers families centralized information and referrals, peer support and parent training.

PATRICIA A. REID

Coordinator, Early Intervention Program--CRIBS, Orange County, Health Care Agency

Santa Ana