Victory!

Finally, the waiting is over! The judge ruled in favor of the AAPPD, in favor of the families and providers, and in favor of federal law! It was ordered that services to kids ages 0-3 be reinstated as quickly as possible! At the moment, this is the best news that we could have hoped for! Families will continue to receive services until further notice. I don't know if this will save some of the providers who are closing their doors, but it should restore services for all of our kiddos!
I double-checked with my supervisor, and we get to start calling families and "breaking" the good news to them!
Thanks to all who wrote letters, e-mailed, rallied, blogged, prayed, and otherwise stood in the gap on behalf of our families. I don't think we're out of the woods yet, but its definitely looking brighter than it has in quite a while.

Here are some of the news stories about the court's decision.

"PHOENIX (AP) - A judge on Wednesday barred the state from implementing budget cuts for services for the developmentally disabled. Judge Joseph Heilman of Maricopa County Superior Court issued a preliminary injunction after a court hearing on a lawsuit filed by program beneficiaries and care providers."

And

"A judge on Wednesday temporarily barred the state from implementing budget cuts for services for the developmentally disabled.
Judge Joseph Heilman of Maricopa County Superior Court issued a preliminary injunction after a court hearing on a lawsuit filed by program beneficiaries and care providers.
"This case raises serious, indeed grave questions of public policy and law," Heilman's order stated. "The procedural violations have serious substantive impact. Sorting out the multiple legal issues can await disposition on the merits. Preventing immediate and irreparable harm is required.""