This gives them more control over the service they receive. It is also better if eligibility is based on need and not income. When needed services are not available, it may be more practical to fund private service providers to create the necessary support. Many questions surround the issue of family support when the person with mental retardation is an adult. In the United States approximately 25 percent of adult children who are not disabled live at home.
Adults living with their parents is common in many cultures throughout history.
In fact, children leaving the home upon reaching adulthood is a relatively recent development in society. Therefore, having society supply some type of family support for adults with mental retardation who live with their parents can be a desirable alternative. The Arc maintains an updated library of family support materials and has current listings of national, state and local resources. An End of Decade Status Report. Braddock, D. et al.