What is the crisis facing Babies Can't Wait?

[Guest guest]

The following is some information that was shared by one of the speakers at the Rally on November 4. Please take a moment to share your concerns about the crisis facing BCW and how it will affect our children with our legislators! Pass it on!

Thanks!

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“An Ounce of Prevention is Worth a Pound of Cureâ€

What is Babies Can't Wait (BCW)?

Babies Can't Wait (BCW) is Georgia's statewide interagency service delivery system for infants and toddlers with developmental delays or disabilities and their families. BCW is established by Part C of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) which guarantees all eligible children, regardless of their disability, access to services that will enhance their development. BCW is the beginning of special education in Georgia. Over 11,000 children per year and their families receive services through 18 public health districts throughout Georgia.

What is the crisis facing BCW?

-BCW funding is directly linked to Medicaid and CMOs.

-CMOs routinely deny coverage for critical therapies and service coordination.

-Services previously covered by Medicaid and not covered by CMOs, must be paid through BCW budget for which funds are not sufficient.

-Therapists and service coordinators leave the BCW system or are not serving CMO families.

-This funding crisis puts the entire BCW system at dire risk.

What would cuts to BCW mean?

-Loss of critical “window†of development that cannot be entirely recouped later

-Increased costs for special education and social services, increased delinquency, reduced graduation rates, and limited quality of life for all Georgians

-Continued loss of critical service providers

-Federal funds allocated to the State compromised by loss

-Families face the confusing maze of disjointed services alone

What can you do to help?

-Contact your legislators and policymakers (http://www.sos.state.ga.us/misc/districts.htm)

Immediate Action

-Request that BCW be “carved-out†of the CMO funding stream

Long-term Solution

-Fight for increased, stable funding streams for prevention and early intervention in Georgia

Georgia's children & families depend on you to act!

Provided by: Georgia' State Interagency Coordinating Council for Early Intervention Services

The (SICC) is required by federal statute to be appointed by the Governor and is an important participant in the development of a well-coordinated service delivery system. The ICC is an independent group which does not "belong to" any particular agency.