MRDD studying emergency waiver State would decide if mentally disabled woman would go to group home

Aug. 29, 2008 (McClatchy-Tribune Regional News delivered by Newstex) -- A Medina County agency is waiting for some medical information about a mentally disabled 19-year-old woman before deciding whether to seek an emergency waiver that would allow her to move into a group home.

The Medina County Board of Mental Retardation and Developmental Disabilities' Needs Committee met this week to discuss the matter. The girl's mother, Vickie Novince, is gathering the medical information.

Frustration with the agency led Vickie and John Novince of Medina to take their daughter Ashley to the Medina police station last week in hopes of having her declared homeless and placed in a group home.

The Novinces say a group home would be a better place for Ashley, who now lives in the family home. Ashley has an IQ of about 60 and has some emotional problems, her parents said.

Barrett Nefores, an MRDD director, said the state has the final say on emergency waivers. He said it could be a month to a month and a half before the state reviews the case.

County funds, along with a state match, would pay for caretaker services Ashley would receive at the home. The Novinces would use Social Security disability payments to pay for rent, utilities and food.

Limited county funds have prevented the Novinces from receiving a regular waiver.

Newstex ID: KRTB-0006-27767167