Bibb County Parents Voice Concerns Over Upcoming Closure of Special Needs Program
By Sheila Duncan
Reporter
Some parents in Bibb County are concerned after learning that a special program for their children is set to close. Indian Rivers Behavioral Health in Brent announced that its program for individuals with special needs will be shutting down on September 27th.
Parents like Becky Davis are left wondering why the program is closing. The facility sent out notices informing families of the closure of the Lighthouse Program but provided no explanation.
“He needed to be around other people. He needed socialization. He needs friends,” Davis explained.
The initial notice, sent in mid-August, indicated the program would end on August 30. However, the closure date has now been extended to September 27, without any explanation for the delay.
“It’s very upsetting. These are his friends,” said Davis.
Efforts to reach the executive director of Indian Rivers Behavioral Health and the Alabama Department of Mental Health in Montgomery have been unsuccessful.
Now, Becky Davis is searching for an alternative program for her child, with just 30 days remaining. She says at least 12 families are affected by the impending closure of the Lighthouse Program.
