Mixing Populations and Protecting Safety

Phoenix Attorneys Representing People Hurt in Group Homes

Although many families place special needs children in homes to protect their safety, the effect actually can be the opposite. All too often, children with disabilities become the victims of group home abuse — either at the hands of staff members or other residents. The lawyers at Solomon & Relihan protect the victims of group home abuse by taking legal action to hold group homes accountable.

Mixing Populations

One way that people with physical or developmental disabilities are often hurt in group homes is by being placed with inappropriate housemates. By mixing populations, group homes combine docile residents with violent ones. These group homes then fail to protect residents from other residents with violent propensities.

By inappropriately mixing populations, group homes also combine residents who need a great deal of care in situations where they — or other residents — do not receive the level of care needed.

The State's Responsibility for Your Loved One's Safety

The state has a primary responsibility for the safety and well-being of developmentally disabled persons in its care. Many group homes contract with the state — providing the actual day-to-day care — but the state still has the responsibility to make sure these group homes are fit to provide the quality services the vulnerable residents deserve.

When the state contracts with unfit providers, they fail to protect the people they should be protecting. We hold the state accountable. At Solomon & Relihan, our focus is on protecting some of the most vulnerable people from being hurt by governmental agencies and private companies who don't keep their best interests in mind.

According to studies reported by the ARC of the United States, many parents fear that, if they report group home abuse, they may be forced to take their child out of the home with few options for other safe living arrangements. In fact, taking legal action can give parents resources to provide safe care for their children with disabilities.

Contact Solomon & Relihan

If the safety of someone you love was put in jeopardy in a group home or if a group home is mixing populations inappropriately, talk to a lawyer about your legal options. For a free initial consultation, contact our Phoenix law office.