The U.S. Justice Department (DOJ) has accused Alabama of failing to provide adequate community-based services for children with physical disabilities, forcing many into institutionalized care. The findings, released Thursday, claim the state is violating the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), which mandates that individuals with disabilities receive care in the most appropriate setting for their needs.
Investigation Findings: Limited Support at Home
The DOJ’s investigation found that many children with disabilities in Alabama are unnecessarily placed in nursing homes or are at risk of institutionalization due to inadequate support systems. The lack of community-based services leaves families with few options, often forcing them to choose between institutional care or becoming full-time caregivers at great personal and financial cost.
Assistant U.S. Attorney General Kristen Clarke stated that Alabama’s policies hinder access to long-term community-based support, creating systemic barriers for children to live at home. She highlighted the emotional and developmental harm caused to children who spend their formative years in institutions, separated from their families and communities.
Call for Action and Potential Legal Consequences
In a letter addressed to Alabama’s Department of Human Resources, Medicaid Agency, and Department of Senior Services, the DOJ outlined changes the state must make to comply with federal law. These include expanding access to community services and improving support for foster parents caring for children with disabilities.
The DOJ warned that if Alabama fails to act, the federal government would pursue legal action to enforce compliance.
Impact on Families
The lack of support forces many families to make heartbreaking decisions. Some parents face quitting their jobs to care for their children full-time, while others are left with no choice but to send their children to institutional care.
P.J. Alexander, whose son Kyle had complex medical conditions including cerebral palsy, shared his personal struggles. Despite the family’s efforts to care for Kyle at home, the lack of resources made it an ongoing challenge. Alexander revealed they had even considered relocating to a state with better support. Kyle passed away in November 2024 at the age of 10, but Alexander emphasized the happiness Kyle brought to their lives despite his challenges.
What’s Next for Alabama?
Alabama officials have yet to respond in detail to the DOJ’s findings. The office of Governor Kay Ivey referred inquiries to state agencies, while the Department of Human Resources has not commented.
The DOJ’s findings add pressure on Alabama to improve its care systems for children with disabilities or face a potential federal lawsuit. The outcome could lead to significant changes in how the state administers services, impacting the lives of countless families struggling to provide care for their children.