With the federal sequester looming, a wide range of programs and services face an uncertain future. At CP Rochester, a non profit organization providing treatment and services for individuals with cerebral palsy, the potential impact is unknown at this point.
CP Rochester President Brian Klafehn says loss of funding for one federal program, Head Start, is most concerning, as it is among the most effective programs offered to young CP Rochester clients. "Children come to us between zero and three years old and 30 percent of those children leave at age five without a measurable diagnosis of any disability anymore and another 30 percent leave at age five requiring 50 percent fewer supports moving ahead."
Klafehn says the possible federal cuts come at an especially difficult time. CP Rochester is among the agencies that would feel the effect of a proposed six percent decrease in state funded programs covered by Medicaid. Klafehn is uncertain where cuts to his agency's budget would fall, and says he cannot rule out the possibility of staff layoffs. There are currently 360 full and part time employees at CP Rochester.