The Never Normal

I’m using this blog to publicly document what just happened and my subsequent request for emergency measures.

Just a few hours ago Jonah was able to get 3 blocks away in his bare feet before staff could catch him and get him safely home. I’m terrified, and desperate to implement emergency measures to keep him safe, and I emailed this to the team a few minutes ago, after leaving messages for two different members of management:

To the Management and Clinical Team:

I am writing this letter to formally document my grave concern regarding the repeated elopements of my son Jonah from his home this week. As you are aware, Jonah lacks the safety awareness necessary to navigate the community independently. Each instance of elopement places his life in immediate jeopardy.  Most recently (earlier today), he was able to run 3 blocks away in his bare feet before staff was able to return him to the house safely.

Due to the frequency and severity of these incidents, the current supervision level and environmental safeguards are demonstrably insufficient. I am requesting an immediate emergency meeting of his support team to implement the following protections:

• Environmental Modifications: An immediate assessment of all exit points, including the installation of high-frequency alarms, delayed-egress hardware, or keyed deadbolts as permitted by state safety regulations.
• One-to-One Supervision: Temporary 1:1 staffing during high-risk transition periods or during times of day when elopement is most likely to occur, until a permanent safety solution is verified.
• Revised Behavioral Support Plan: A formal update to his behavioral support plan that includes a specific Elopement Prevention and Response Protocol, detailing exactly how staff will monitor his whereabouts and the immediate steps to be taken if he is missing.
• Staff Re-training: Documentation that all staff members working with Jonah have been re-trained on his specific elopement triggers and the facility’s emergency missing person procedures.

Please consider this letter a formal request for a written response within 24 hours outlining the immediate steps being taken to ensure my son’s physical safety.

I look forward to your prompt cooperation in resolving this life-threatening issue.

Sincerely,

Amy

Jonah’s mother and guardian