How Many People Are Waiting?

The short term waiting list is composed of individuals needing immediate support, while the long term planning list is a "working waiting list" that is more flexible, and beneficial when used to learn and plan. Scroll down the page to see a breakdown of numbers of persons on each of these lists by region and service requested.

As of July 2008 the number waiting for help include:
Total MRWP Short-Term: 3,650 people
Total MRWP Long-Term: 2,631 people
ICWP/TBI waiver programs: 122 people
Total people waiting for help in Georgia are 6,403.

Why are People placed on Waiting Lists?

The Waiting Lists are used when the Regional Board is unable to serve consumers or meet all of their service needs due to limited resources and to plan for the long-term needs of consumers. Consumers who request mental retardation services should receive a screening to determine eligibility within 14 working days of presenting the request. All individuals placed on either the long term or short-term waiting list must meet the most-in-need criteria and have a review of eligibility for admission to an appropriate level of service. When the Georgia General Assembly funds services, consumers on the planning list will be selected base on their level of need. As we look at these waiting lists, we see over 500 young students who graduate from High School annually, individuals, young and old, who are currently struggling to live in the community, and around 2,000 people that have been moved to Hospitals and Nursing Homes, when they would be happier in the community. Without additional funding the planning list will grow at about 12% per year. As of May 2004, we are currently serving close to 12,000 adults individuals with developmental disabilities with community services, this document will give you an idea of our state's unmet need.

The short term waiting list are individuals needing immediate supports, while the long term planning list are “working waiting lists” that are more flexible, and beneficial when used to learn and plan.

Priority conditions for the short-term planning list include:

• Consumer lost placement because of death or abandonment by caretaker.

• Consumer is in immediate danger of losing home/care supports because of terminally ill caretaker. Current placement imminently is harmful to consumer or consumer becomes a danger to others.

• Consumer is gravely disabled and need intensive supervision and care and parents/guardians are elderly or incapacitated.

• Consumer is in need of more restrictive/intensive care after lesser care placement has failed.

• Consumer/family needs can be best served in a community placement instead of the more restrictive, institutional environment.

Priority conditions for the long-term planning list include:

• Consumer’s placement in danger due to long-term illness of caretaker.

• Consumer’s parent/caretaker are aging and desire placement and there is no other responsible person who can provide needed care.

• Consumer has a severe medical or behavior problem which is progressive or warrants a more structured placement over time.