Unprecedented support for financial equity between foster families and parents of disabled children

With more than 36,000 people calling for financial equity, L'Étoile de Pacho - A support network for the parents of disabled children and Parents jusqu'au bout! appeal to the four political parties to react

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MONTREAL, Aug. 22, 2018 /CNW Telbec/ - More than 36,000 people from across Quebec signed a petition in support of the parents of disabled children launched only a few weeks ago by L'Étoile de Pacho – A support network for the parents of disabled children and Parents jusqu'au bout!

An economic analysis by the accounting firm Raymond Chabot Grant Thornton, released by the two organizations in July, showed that the parents of a disabled child receive on average 70% less in government assistance than a foster family to care for the same child. This gap grew larger between 2016 and 2018, lending more urgency to the need for policy makers to take heed. In addition to coping with the daily challenges associated with their child's often-complex condition, many parents of disabled children almost inevitably find themselves in a financially precarious situation that can no longer be ignored.

 "We were deeply touched to receive so much support in the height of summer. This is a major step in our efforts to mobilize support, but it's not enough. Policy makers and political parties must now make a commitment," said Geneviève Dion, cofounder of Parents jusqu'au bout!

Bolstered by the success of the petition, the organizations submitted an official request on behalf of all disabled children in Quebec and their families to the four parties represented in the National Assembly: "Do you commit to adjusting and improving the financial assistance program for the parents of disabled children to ensure equity between the assistance received by natural families and that received by foster families?" Answers are expected once the elections are called and will be made public soon thereafter.

"Receiving more than 100% of the support we expected has given a voice to the 36,000 disabled children in Quebec and to their families, who have endured this flagrant injustice in silence for far too long," said Nathalie Richard, L'Étoile de Pacho's executive director.

About Parents jusqu'au bout!
In February 2015, Parents jusqu'au bout! was created to promote financial equity between the natural families of severely disabled children and foster families that receive government compensation to provide care for these children. www.parentsjusquaubout.com [in French only]

About L'Étoile de Pacho – A support network for the parents of disabled children
L'Étoile de Pacho is a support network for the parents of severely disabled children. A community organization founded in July 2013 in Montreal, it consists of a team of mothers with disabled children who provide peer support to parents whose children have just received a diagnosis of severe disability.

The parents of severely disabled children up to age 18 who are dealing with difficult situations that result in psychological distress and precarious financial circumstances are entitled to receive specific assistance, at no cost, through one of three support programs. L'Étoile de Pacho has a mission to create favourable conditions for the parents of these children by providing services and tools to support the adaptation process, empowering them and thereby encouraging social inclusion. www.etoiledepacho.ca [in French only]

SOURCE Parents jusqu’au bout!

Viviane Ross, NATIONAL Public Relations, [email protected], W: 514-843-2318, C: 514-827-4250