New Mexico Attorney General Raúl Torrez has called for structural reforms to the state’s Developmental Disabilities Waiver program after a woman with disabilities suffered “horrific” abuse while in the program’s care. Mary Melero, who reportedly suffered from bedsores that had gone to the bone, open septic wounds, and bruises from being restrained, had been placed in convicted felon Angelita Chacon’s care after her primary caregiver had died. Chacon received $236,000 in Medicaid funding for caring for both Melero and her son. Chacon and her girlfriend, Patricia Hurtado, now face charges of abuse and neglect of a resident resulting in death, false imprisonment, failure to report, and conspiracy after trying to transport Melero to Mexico. The case has prompted Torrez to call for an increase in staffing, mandatory inspections every 90 days, and new civil and criminal penalties for providers and companies within the program.
The abuse and neglect of women and girls with disabilities is a prevalent issue globally. Discriminatory laws in some countries prohibit disabled women from marrying or adopting children, while they face high rates of violence and abuse and are often subjected to forced sterilization and forced abortion. Disabled women are also denied access to reproductive health and contraceptive information. Moreover, disabled women are underrepresented in the labour force, with only a quarter of disabled women worldwide in employment. Disabled women also have low literacy rates and are five times more likely than non-disabled women to have fewer than eight years of schooling. Additionally, in some countries, disability benefits are lower for disabled women than for disabled men. Despite this widespread discrimination, justice systems and poverty reduction strategies often overlook the issue.
In the US, studies show that state spending on assistance for families living in poverty can help to prevent child abuse, as investments in programs such as Medicaid and earned income tax credits remit more benefits to families. For instance, Connecticut’s earned income tax credit program has led to the prevention of child abuse and lifted thousands of children out of poverty. Similarly, expanding health insurance coverage for adults through programs such as Medicaid can significantly reduce rates of reported child abuse due to newfound financial stability and access to health care. For every $1,000 invested in families, child maltreatment reports decreased by 5%. However, parents may need to file tax returns explaining their circumstances, which may present a barrier for some. Free tax preparation services, such as those provided in pediatric clinics, can improve access to these benefits and support parents who care for their children.
In conclusion, implementing structural reforms and increasing staffing are necessary steps for caring for individuals with disabilities. Disabled women and girls are a marginalized group that face systematic discrimination and violence. Investing in innovative initiatives such as Medicaid or earned income tax credits can improve access to health care and lift families out of poverty, leading to fewer reported cases of child abuse. By expanding these programs, the safety and wellbeing of children may be significantly enhanced.
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