November 13, 2024
ACLU, Disability Rights, and Children’s Rights have sued the state claiming it is denying Medicaid-eligible children access to care
A Rhode Island mother said she feels like she has been “screaming into a deep, empty hole” trying to find mental health services for her four adopted children.
They have been languishing in institutions and hospitals for years, she said, fraying their connections to their home and community, and losing their childhood.
“Who is listening? Is anyone listening?” Rebecca Almeida said.
She is one of 10 plaintiffs and families who are part of a class-action lawsuit filed Wednesday by federally mandated protection and advocacy agency Disability Rights Rhode Island, the American Civil Liberties Union of Rhode Island, and the national advocacy organization Children’s Rights against the state of Rhode Island. The lawsuit claims that Medicaid-eligible children and youths are denied their right to appropriate mental health care.