WHATCOM COUNTY, WA (MyBellinghamNow.com) – A statewide support program for families of children with developmental disabilities will continue after weeks of uncertainty.
Washington’s Parent to Parent program has received a funding cut of just over 10% from the Department of Social and Health Services, but advocates say they’re relieved it wasn’t eliminated.
The program helps families navigate services and connects them with trained parent volunteers. Last year, it logged nearly 93,000 contacts with families statewide.
In Whatcom County, Parent to Parent assisted nearly 1,800 parents and caregivers and relies on 100 trained volunteers.
Local leaders say the budget cut could affect support groups, dads’ socials, sibling programs, multicultural outreach and other family services.
“Cutting Parent to Parent funding would impact thousands of families across our state. It would increase isolation, stress and crisis for families already facing significant challenges,” Program Coordinator from Parent to Parent Whatcom County Karlene Umbaugh said. “Losing this preventive support network could ultimately lead to increased reliance on emergency services, crisis intervention and more costly systems of care.”
They are meeting with U.S. Representative Rick Larsen Friday, Sept. 4 to discuss further funding opportunities.
Advocates are now urging lawmakers to restore funding in the next state budget.
