Posted on 09/24/2004 10:17:55 PM PDT by OldBlondBabe
I found out over the summer that a house on my street (just a handful of houses away) is now a "group home". According to another neighbor the residents are "highly to moderately trainable adults". Supposedly there is one adult supervisor there for about every 4-5 residents.
There has already been at least one incident; one of the residents was off his meds, flopping around on the neighbors pool cover and wouldn't leave. I've just recently found out that one of the residents is on the Public Sex Offender Registry---his offense, criminal sexual conduct- third degree (multi variables.)
I live in an affluent suburb of Detroit, in Oakland County. The homes here average around $300,000...it's a nice area.
I'm looking for advice and guidance. I have kids,one of which is a 13-year old girl. Thanks in advance for your help and direction.
My wife works for one of these programs. Her program does not have any sex-offenders or parolees and the type in it.
The people in the program are range in capabilities from about a six year old to a ten year old level.
The program provides peace-meal work for the clients. There are three group homes. Without this program, these people would be sitting in a nursing home staring at a wall.
As it is, they get up, get dressed and go to work each day, just like you and I. They earn a small amount of money and do group activities after work and on the weekends.
This is probably one of the most rewarding programs I have ever seen.
It's only natural for neighbors to be suspect of the clients. I would suggest that anyone who is interested, to contact the agency and learn about the program. Get permission and visit the workshop, or the group home. I think the contact with the clients will convince the curious that they are harmless.
Now, as it applies to this sexual offender, I do believe that is a problem. It might even be a problem for the other clients, so I'm not sure what the actual facts are concerning that.
Once again, I think it would be a great idea to contact the group, set up a meeting and ask questions that address the issue. They may or may not be able to answer those questions, but there is a chance the story has been embelished in the telling.
Ditto, we have one in our neighborhood, and all is well. But the sex offender stuff?????? Did they at least give you a heads up re: Meaghans Law?
Well, given that the residents of this group home are mentally disabled, it's very likely that the sex offender is too. There may well have been an incident where the person had sex with another young person in another setting, with both of them being retarded. It happens a lot.
If so, and the guy was charged and convicted, which also happens, then the person needs to be watched. Other than that, I suspect you're going to have a very difficult time getting rid of this group home.
Both my daughters and one of my sons-in-law worked with the developmentally disabled at one time. Most of the individuals in these group homes are harmless, but there is the occassional threat and it is often difficult to do anything about it. OTOH, the threat is usually to the other clients.
Yes I agree with that. If the program is run right, this sort of problem should be self-correcting. If it isn't, then the neighbors should get involved and see to it that the occassional problem is remedied.
Some clients aren't suitable for these programs. As you intimated, that generally becomes appearent within the group home rather quickly.
AMEN !!!!
Restricted from what? To keep us undesirables out?
I was in a group home as a kid.
You'll be in less danger from the group-home residents, than those unsupervised 'normal' kids wandering the neighborhood.
Untrue.
They are safe with me.
(Large, evil, toothy grin)
Did you read the whole post?
One of the "residents" is a convicted SEX OFFENDER...this is not "gossip"...his name and offense are posted on the state's Public Sex Offender Registry.
I would think that a loss in value of 30+% could be pressed with the assessor to result in a reduction in property taxes.
We obtained property tax relief when a car accident resulted in polluted groundwater (MTBE), even though we were provided filtration equipment to mitigate the pollution.
No heads up about the offender. I found out through a friend who was checking the state registry because of a sexual assault (against a 13 year old boy) that occurred at her son's school. BTW, this offender (an adult male)has been arrested. Seems he's a repeat offender, on probation.
I think that you may be able to gather up some of the residing neighbors, and try to bring it to the table of a city council meeting. Try that. There was a similar problem in Plymouth, about a year or two ago.
Many times over 30 years. You and I are probably on the same page...I just don't understand why you have to be so negative to me.
Red
Of course not. I've been proudly posting without reading the article since 1999.
One of the "residents" is a convicted SEX OFFENDER...this is not "gossip"...his name and offense are posted on the state's Public Sex Offender Registry.
Being a Sex Offender used to mean a lot, it's meaning less and less as more and more not-so-serious crimes are qualifying people for the status. I'm not saying not to be worried; I'm just saying maybe slow down and get more information first.
I have lived within a half mile of a group facility for over 15 years. It is large and their population is around fifty. Some are allowed to leave the facility and walk around. I have never seen one in my neighborhood. They are good neighbors. I give them all of my old clothes. The administrators are very nice and appreciative. Considering what the circumstances were for people with these problems fifty years ago, I feel this type of facility is good for everyone. If there were ever any problems, I sense the problems would be resolved immediately.
Mentally handicapped adults are "undesirables"? I wonder if that's what God calls them.
These are people with Down Syndrome or brain damage suffered during birth - like my brother-in-law, who has lived in a group home like the one described, and where not a single negative incident ever occurred between the home's clients and neighboring homeowners.
Local zoning rules are trumped by the Americans with Disabilities Act.
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