REQUESTING STATE DEPARTMENTS TO DEVELOP A PLAN OF CARE FOR CERTAIN PERSONS WITH DEVELOPMENTAL DISABILITIES WHO LOSE COVERAGE AND SERVICES DUE TO BECOMING AN ADULT AT THE AGE OF EIGHTEEN.

WHEREAS, a child with developmental disabilities enrolled in a specialized foster care program funded exclusively by general fund money is automatically terminated from eligibility for services upon reaching his eighteenth birthday; and

WHEREAS, the abrupt termination of services could jeopardize a child's health, safety and welfare and lead to homelessness; and

WHEREAS, such a child may be eligible for developmentally disabled medicaid waiver services, but may not receive them upon turning eighteen due to being placed on the waiting list for these services; and

WHEREAS, it is possible for the children, youth and families department, the human services department and the department of health to work together to create a smooth transition of services, bridging a child's transition from chronological dependence to independence, in the best interests of both the child and his foster family;

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF NEW MEXICO that the children, youth and families department, the human services department and the department of health work to ensure that a child receiving specialized foster care services is provided an uninterrupted transition from that program to the developmentally disabled medicaid waiver program; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that copies of this memorial be transmitted to the secretaries of the respective departments mentioned.