I was ready to advise you to calm down- that the presence of mentally retarded people is nothing to worry about, but the sex offender stuff is indeed something to worry about.
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?
Here in Oregon we have group homes for the severely physically disabled when they lose primary caregivers due to aging/health/death.
They do not mix the homes with mentally retarded and physically disabled ect...each type of disability is teamed up with same types.
I agree no need to fuss these adults need to live somewhere and much better than a nursing home.
Pedaphiles are not pu into these above mentioned homes.
If she were were worried about mentally retarded people, she wouldn't be on here.
The sex offender is a main concern. FYI, have a couple of group homes in my neighborhood. The residents are not the problem in the 'hood. The problems come from the almightly, can do no evil homeowners who were probably major pains in the you know where when they were renters.