In a move that has sparked a mix of relief and concern among parents of children with developmental disabilities in Washington State, the state Department of Social and Health Services (DSHS) has announced a 10% cut in funding for the Parent to Parent program, but not its complete elimination. The program, which has been a vital support system for families since its inception in 1980, faced an uncertain future this summer when its funding was threatened.
The budget for the upcoming fiscal year is set at approximately $877,000, marking a reduction from previous years. Despite the cut, the Parent to Parent program will continue to operate, albeit with some adjustments. Tracie Hoppis, the statewide Parent to Parent manager, expressed her relief, stating, "I wish we hadn't received a cut at all, but it certainly could have been worse."
The DSHS has emphasized its commitment to maintaining core services and ensuring a solid financial foundation for the long-term. Jessica Nelson, a spokesperson for the department, said, "We continue to work to protect core services and ensure that Washington has a solid financial foundation for the long-term."
The Parent to Parent program is a cornerstone of support for families with children who have autism and other developmental disabilities. It pairs newer parents with more experienced ones to navigate the complex system of resources and provide emotional support. The program also offers "sibshops" to support siblings of individuals with developmental disabilities.
The sudden threat to the program's funding arose when it was discovered that the contract was set to expire without an extension, despite funding being allocated in the state budget. The Arc of Washington State, which oversees the program under a contract with the DSHS, was faced with the possibility of ceasing operations entirely.
In response to the threat, a bipartisan group of 44 state lawmakers urged Governor Bob Ferguson and DSHS Secretary Angela Ramirez to maintain the program. Hoppis expressed her gratitude for the support received, saying, "I feel really overwhelmed and a bit humbled with the level of support that we received."
The 10% reduction in funding will primarily affect spending on multicultural coordinators, who assist parents in overcoming language and other barriers. Many families in the program are Spanish speakers, and programs in Snohomish County, for example, have Russian coordinators. Hoppis highlighted the importance of this support, noting, "When it comes to Parent to Parent and the emotional support piece, that does not happen well through an interpreter."
Advocates for the program are calling on legislators to reverse the cut and provide a modest increase in the 2027 budget. They also want to ensure that the program is specifically named in the budget to prevent future funding redirection.
The Parent to Parent program has been a lifeline for countless families in Washington State, providing them with the resources and support they need to navigate the challenges of raising a child with a developmental disability. While the recent funding cut is a setback, the program's continued existence offers a glimmer of hope for the families it serves.
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