There was a plan that had been set forth to create a residential facility for girls with autism. As you probably already know, Autism is a neurological disorder, and in many cases, in its most acute forms or the extreme end of the spectrum, it results in individuals requiring specialized care. This is especially true for children who are within the child welfare or juvenile justice systems; sometimes, these children cannot be placed in foster care or served by existing facilities; therefore, the state is responsible for their care.
American Rescue Plan Act funds
The plan was to use $3.8 million in American Rescue Plan Act funds to renovate a state-owned building in Las Vegas and create a 12-bed facility specifically for these girls. However, the governor’s office recently requested that this project be canceled and that the property be used as a homeless campus.
State lawmakers have denied this request, expressing doubt about the sudden change of plans after it had been approved six months ago and concerns about using the state-owned property for a different purpose.
Robb Jack, the chief innovation officer within the governor’s office, has stated that the renovation project was initially feasible. Still, they have received a new project proposal that seeks to help the homeless. This new project, called Campus for Hope, has been proposed as a 20-acre regional homeless complex backed by the gaming industry and funded through a private-public partnership. However, lawmakers have directed Robb to return to the drawing board and ensure that if they relocate the Autism Residential Facility project, the replacement should still serve its initial purpose of helping girls with autism.
State Senator Marilyn Donderos Remark
Some lawmakers, such as State Senator Marilyn Dondero Loop, have expressed concerns over the proposed campus location due to its proximity to existing schools and lack of discussion on the matter. She stated that she has not been approached for any discussions regarding the homeless campus project and finds it concerning that such a large decision is being made without proper input from relevant stakeholders.
As Clark County officials and state lawmakers continue to deliberate on the fate of the proposed Autism Residential Facility project, we at Nevada Autism hope that all parties involved will prioritize the well-being of Autistic children in as much as they consider the needs of the homeless community. The issue at hand is complex, and all parties involved must communicate effectively and work together to find a solution that serves both purposes.
Do you need assistance related to autism or know someone who does? Feel free to reach out to Nevada Autism Center for guidance and support. Let’s work together towards creating a more inclusive society for all individuals, regardless of their circumstances. Thank you for reading our coverage on this important matter.
