Down Syndrome Abuse In Group Homes
Summary
This article discusses abuse in down syndrome patients in group homes. It lists the possible types of abuse that occurs, and the physical and emotional damage this abuse causes to the individual. It also talks about what the parent should look for to determine if their child has been abused.
Down Syndrome Abuse in Group Homes
Down syndrome is one of the most common mental disorders known in the country. It is primarily recognized from its distinctive characteristics such as mental retardation, distinguishing facial features, and other traits. It is caused by a chromosomal abnormality, and individuals with down syndrome tend to have lower than average cognitive ability. Since the caring and teaching for these individuals requires constant attention and patience, many family members opt to give the responsibility for their loved ones with down syndrome to group homes. There are many types of group homes located in the Tempe, Mesa, Phoenix and Scottsdale area who have been found responsible for abuse or neglect by one of their employees or volunteers. If you suspect that your loved one with down syndrome has been a victim of abuse or neglect, discuss your options for compensation with personal injury lawyers Phoenix, AZ.
Each year, 4000 babies are born with down syndrome in the United States. There is no cure of down syndrome, and the care for these individuals are often reliant on others. There are many different scenarios that can occur in a group home in terms of abuse or neglect for your loved one. Some examples include:
Types of Abuse
- Sexual abuse
- Physical abuse
- Verbal abuse
- Starving, or depriving down syndrome patients of food or drink
- Failing to give patients medications
- Elopement
Individuals with down syndrome tend to have severe repercussions due to being victimized by this type of abuse. The physical and emotional consequences vary from each case, but are often times followed by thousands of dollars in medical and therapy bills. Some examples of these types of physical and emotional consequences include:
Physical and Emotional Consequences
- Bruising/ Scarring
- Depression
- Anger issues
- Excessive fear
- Suicidal
- Malnutrition
- Death
- Hydration
- Head trauma
- Spinal Cord injury
In most cases, it is difficult to undo the emotional damage abuse causes to a person with down syndrome. There is no excuse for your child to suffer in a group home. Group home abuse can happen in any of the group homes in Arizona. It is important for parents and relatives to be aware of mood changes, bruising, and questionable changes in their child’s demeanor when around certain individuals in their group home. If you suspect abuse, talking to a professional is the best course of action to take.
Contact Personal Injury Lawyers Phoenix, AZ.
No individual with a disability should ever have to suffer abuse in a group home. Individuals with down syndrome have to struggle on a daily basis to complete everyday tasks and to combat different behavioral issues. When parents entrust their children to group homes, they do not plan for their child to be mistreated in any way. The negligent and hurtful individuals in these institutions deserve to be held accountable for their actions against your child. Contact a Phoenix personal injury lawyer today to discuss your options for compensation. For more information: www.solomonrelihan.com
