Amid new state program, shortage of caregivers for special needs children still putting financial pressure on C.O. parents

(Update: Matthew Draxton will have a report Friday on NewsChannel 21 at Five)

BEND, Ore (KTVZ) -- Parents with children who have special medical needs are burdened with financial stress as lack of caregivers force them to be 24/7 care providers to their children, limiting their means to work a job. A new state program is trying to help, but has limitations.

Many parents are eligible to be part of the state of Oregon's new Children's Extraordinary Needs Program , and are able to be paid by the state to care for their children. The program that started July 1 resulted from Senate Bill 91 that was passed in July of 2023.

Though parents are now eligible for financial aid to take care of their children with extraordinary needs, many say they are limited in how much money they can receive, due to the number of hours they are allowed to report.

Between the lack of caregivers forcing parents to become sole caregivers, the inability to have a job outside of caregiving and the limited hours they can report as having cared for their child, parents are faced with financial stress as they try to stay afloat and pay other bills.

Matthew Draxton is speaking Thursday with Courtney Coleman and Becki Moore, both of whom are parents of a child with extraordinary needs. They are discussing why they're trying to spread awareness about this issue, what changes they're advocating for and how they are impacted by the limited hours they can report and limited pay received for being a caregiver.

His report will air Friday on NewsChannel 21 at Five.

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