The appeal form read:

"Your services will only be continued if you appeal by the later of: 10 days from the date of this Notice; or, the date that the services will be terminated or reduced."

We had our appeal package in the day before John's services (including residential care) were to be flatly terminated. So, we argued that we had submitted the package in time. Barely in time, but in time nonetheless.

The woman on the phone INSISTED that over 10 days was too late. Her supervisor insisted the same, and told us some malarky about how we must have been given the "adult" form and not the "children's" form. (I went online - there is NO difference, same form for everyone -- surely she had to know that?) According to her, there is no option for the children, ONLY the 10 day limit - someone must have given me the kid form. “So sorry,” she tells us.

No, not so sorry, lady. We got THIS form. And we are on time, according to your form. In response, we hear: "Oh my, someone should have explained this to you better." Maam, this is NOT our first time doing an appeal. We got nowhere with her.

We made more phone calls at the state division of health services. They were kind. However, ultimately, each person said they couldn't help and we would have to pick him up while everyone sorted things out. One of the "higher ups" said she'd keep looking into things, but we felt it was just to console us.

At 4:55pm, she called us back! I was shocked that she actually made time for us, to be honest, but was happy to hear from her. Especially when she apologized for others not understanding the appeals process correctly. She said yes, according to the appeals packet - and the lines above - we DID do things in a legally acceptable way.

All this means.......he can stay there and the state will consider our appeal. It doesn't mean they will grant the appeal (pray hard for that one!!!), but they will consider it.

Other good things:

1. We got a phone call. Said she was asked to call us and help us put together more appeals documentation. Helps that she's from the bigger state agency and not bound by funding issues or wacky parts of the actual service agencies. Maybe she'll be of help.
2. A phone message from the same agency says she would like us to call her back and tell her "our side of the story" to see if she can help. Again, it's a little ray of hope...

A ton of work and anxiety from where we started, we have finally successfully completed part 1.

So - for now - YAY us.

Even more, YAY for John - he will sleep again tonight in a place with wonderful and appropriate care.

Hopefully, he sleeps well. And his mom and dad will continue the fight.