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If a child had a pillow placed over their face when no one else was around, did it really happen?

SEEKONK Mass. -- The Team Shawnie Group was founded on one basic principle. To give voice to those who struggle to be heard. We help children with disabilities gain access to a proper and legally required Individual Education Plan.

It would shock most people to learn that child abuse happens in "good school districts" too. That for children with disabilities, going to school means being bullied by their peers, and sometimes abuse by ill-prepared staff.

Shane Halajko, President said, "At one point, Shawnie (whom the group was founded after) was almost suffocated by a staff member who placed a pillow over his face while he was sleeping. Fortunately, he is strong and was able to fight for his life." The perpetrator denied the allegations and was not charged...let that sink in for a moment. Families in your neighborhood, city and town are dealing with these issues every day.

If you are a family in need of assistance, please contact The Team Shawnie Group. Our services are free.

Journalists, are you interested in making a real difference? Help fight the abuse and the antiquated system that keeps parents on the sidelines and budget concerns the priority over the well-being of our children. Shawnie's heartbreaking journey and the toll it took on his family is hard to imagine. After a decade, Shawnie was finally admitted into the proper treatment facility. But the system that almost killed him and kept his body full of prescription drugs - hasn't changed.

Support the Shawnie Bill H.230 - An Act ensuring the appropriate and timely payment and residential service placement for children deemed to be a safety risk, and then email your Representative and ask them to support it. Thanks to Representative Steven S. Howitt, Bristol, for his esteemed leadership on this bill along with Representatives, Mathew J. Muratore, Plymouth, Michael J. Soter, Worcester, and Adam J. Scanlon, Bristol.

Team Shawnie Advocacy Group Inc. is a non-profit in the process of receiving its 501(c)(3) status. Serving Massachusetts and Rhode Island.

Get involved | We need volunteers and donors

https://teamshawniegroup.com

Twitter: @teamshawniegrp

Related link: https://teamshawniegroup.com/

This news story was published by the Neotrope® News Network - all rights reserved.

Business, Free News Articles, Government

The Team Shawnie Advocacy Group Unveils Bill To Protect Children With Disabilities

SEEKONK, Mass. -- The Team Shawnie Advocacy Group, an over-watch children's advocate agency based in Seekonk, MA, has been working vigorously alongside State Representative, Steven Howitt (R), Bristol County to implement Bill H. 132 (Shawnie Bill) that would close loopholes in our Mental Health Care system in Massachusetts. Because of these loopholes, abuse of incapacitated children and adolescents occur daily.

Shane and Cheryl Halajko, who live in Seekonk, have experienced this firsthand. Their child Shawnie is autistic. Their harrowing story of finding a safe and nurturing environment for their son to live his life without fear of abuse and mistreatment is mind blowing. Elected and appointed officials for years opposed them at almost every turn. Mired in bureaucracy and lack of knowledge, politicians pushed Shawnie into some very dangerous and life-threatening situations. Unfortunately, their experience is like thousands of other families throughout Massachusetts and the United States.

Bill H.132 (Shawnie Bill) addresses simple but effective changes to the law in Massachusetts. We will present the bill early next year. We hope that our local radio stations and journalists will help support the cause and tell the story. This bill will make a real and measurable impact on the lives of so many families around us. Please help us get the word out.

State Representative, Steven Howitt (R), Bristol County, and Shane Halajko are available for interviews. They will discuss the bill and Shawnie's experience in detail. This is a non-partisan issue, and we gratefully accept the help of all.

Resources which can be found on our website, https://teamshawniegroup.com/ include: a copy of the bill in its entirety -- short YouTube explainer video -- link to grassroots petition with over 3,000 signatures -- six-part podcast series.

Team Shawnie Advocacy Group
Shane Halajko
Website: https://teamshawniegroup.com/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TeamShawnie

Related link: https://teamshawniegroup.com/

This news story was published by the Neotrope® News Network - all rights reserved.