anyone use the help me grow program?

Re: anyone use the help me grow program?

• notguilty

  June 2011

  It's provided through the State Health Dept. Each county has Help Me Grow accredited agencies to provide services to children and families who meet the income criteria.  I have had significant contact with the organization through my work with foster children in the court system. 

  Just like with any agency, HMG has both excellent and horrible case workers/therapists.  I'm not sure how much control you would have over who comes to your home since it is a free governmentl service.  If the person who comes out is unprofessional, I would discuss it with a supervisor.   HMG does provide excellent services for diagnosing and treating a variety of developmental delays.  I've seen them completely turn children around in a short period of time. 

  I wish  you luck.  Here is the website link:

  https://www.ohiohelpmegrow.org/professional/providers/HamiltonCounty.aspx

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• Moesten

  June 2011

  I used to be in this line of work. I can assure you it is not a witch hunt although I know it can feel that way Your daughter will only qualify for services if she needs them and she will not qualify for services she doesn't need. Now, having said that, it's relatively easy for a child to qualify, meaning a child doesn't have to be too far delayed in a skill to meet eligibility criteria - and that's a good thing. The earlier we intervene with kids, the better. It's best to address and resolve a small problem now than to give it time to turn into a big problem that is impacting learning or social development or general behavior.

  Don't cancel the appointment. At least allow the evaluation and learn what they find at the eligibility meeting. You are not required to accept the services offered if you don't wish to. Also, you are entitled to bring any person who can advocate for your child. So if you want some support from your mom or a friend who is a teacher etc, bring them to the eligibility meeting. Or if you feel you need a trained advocate Help Me Grow can refer you to one (free).

  If you need any assistance, please PM me. 

  

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• JenRose05 member

  June 2011

  We used help me grow and as far as I knew, it wasn't income based. We were never asked for any proof of income and still qualified. I adore the program and feel as if without the help of HMG, Ben would not be where he is today! We were also told the process would be very very long but they were out of here before 2 hours was up and we had an in depth report of all the things he was not meeting, meeting, or exceeding. I say get the eval done and once you get the report then see how you feel if you are referred for services. HTH!

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• katieranck2202

  June 2011

  We use HMG with our LO. The CW mentioned them to use when he came 6 months ago, but we have only been working with them for 4 months now. They come once a month and really it is more play learning right now at 2 years old, but he is doing really well. The big thing right now is trying to get him to use two-word phrases.

  Katie, PCOS since May 2005, Fostering since November 2010 Adoption since December 2011
  *PCOS bio* *Cold Hands, Warm Heart*
  

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• kel716 member

  June 2011

  We've used their services since November.  I cannot say enough good things about them.  Do NOT cancel your appointment!

  DS is significantly speech delayed, and we have a speech therapist come to our house every 1-2 weeks.  She helps DS try to talk through different play activities, and the best way to get through to young kids is in their natural environment (ie, the home).  Now that we're closing in on 3, they helped us get set up with our local school district to continue receiving speech services.  If we hadn't used them, we might not be able to use our school district's preschool program this coming fall where a licensed speech therapist will work with him on an even more regular basis. 

  ETA:  While I think there is an income component that helps them with their funding, I don't think you have to have low income to qualify.  Yes, they come into your home.  But they don't look at most of it...  our service folk have used our bathroom once in over 6 months of coming to our house, stayed in our foyer and living room, and a little in our eat in kitchen area.  That's it.  It is so convenient having speech services in our house.  We also use Children's twice/month, and there you add and extra 30 minutes to the appointment when you factor in car seat + travel time. 

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• linzpinz14

  June 2011

  Moesten:

  I used to be in this line of work. I can assure you it is not a witch hunt although I know it can feel that way Your daughter will only qualify for services if she needs them and she will not qualify for services she doesn't need. Now, having said that, it's relatively easy for a child to qualify, meaning a child doesn't have to be too far delayed in a skill to meet eligibility criteria - and that's a good thing. The earlier we intervene with kids, the better. It's best to address and resolve a small problem now than to give it time to turn into a big problem that is impacting learning or social development or general behavior.

  Don't cancel the appointment. At least allow the evaluation and learn what they find at the eligibility meeting. You are not required to accept the services offered if you don't wish to. Also, you are entitled to bring any person who can advocate for your child. So if you want some support from your mom or a friend who is a teacher etc, bring them to the eligibility meeting. Or if you feel you need a trained advocate Help Me Grow can refer you to one (free).

  If you need any assistance, please PM me. 

  I agree with all of what Moesten said, especially the bolded part.  It sounds like your appt happened all ready - so I hope it went well!

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