Need California's dreamers input!!!

Hello, everyone, I am Linda and I am a dreamer living in Arizona (I know I know, I should probably getting out of this place asap). I had overstayed my visa since my family came and I was only 13 years old, and earlier this year I was fortunately enough to apply and received EAD.

I am writing this post not so much about me but for my older sister who has schizophrenia. You see, she also overstayed her visa but she is older than me (36 years old) and was living a almost non-existent life due to most the language barrier as well as the medical condition, not to mention she is no longer able to receive any service/medical attention from the state (even before she was released from the mental health system in AZ, the service and treatment plan was also very limited). I am told by one friend who does over-the-phone translation for people as well as a native California (Mexican American) acquaintance that there are people without status like us could still able to receive service and state-funded assistance. I am thinking this would be a great long term goal/solution to my sister (to relocate her to California) as we can't send her back home (we are from Hong Kong originally, and no family left there, and if we were to go home, we all would be barred from entering US for 10 years), and she is in no condition to marry someone to get her situation situated.

However, I do not know enough about California or its mental health service/social services/government. I'd greatly appreciate any feedback or advice from the community. I just need to have more resources and information. Thank you very much.

Sorry to hear about your sister, I could imagine the pain you and your family have endured being in your situation, good luck to you. I'm also contemplating moving out to California

You need to ask your friend what they mean by "state funded help." Mental health services are delivered at the County level. She would probably be eligible for community based programs were they provide counseling. However, She is most likely still not eligible for other programs.

http://www.dmh.ca.gov/services_and_programs/

I am also sorry to hear about your sister....im not 100% sure but im pretty sure she can get assistance in cali. Its not the same situation but my mom's friend had a serious condition was in the hospital n from there she was referred to social services where they helped her get help n pay for her treatment regards of her status....but it could depend on the condition.

Thanks for all your reply.

To : Happyman0607: The situation is very tough and while we as family is considering moving my sister to California, I don't think I will be moving there as my brother and I run a business in Phoenix and it is expanding so we want to stay back here. I was told all so often California would have better opportunity for me and I wish it works out for you if you do decide to move there.

To: FlyinAgainstTheWind: Yes, you are right and that's what my friend told me, too, regards to the county's jurisdiction toward mental health services. He said it varies depends on each county and that's where I need help on. I am not from California and would like to learn about the county's regulation and services as much as possible. It's almost like needing to find the "loopholes" or "the grey zone" but you know as a dreamers, we often have to think outside the box to get things done.

To: OCgirl85: Just send you a private message.


I understand it is a far-reaching process and that's why I am asking around, sometimes you have to ask and the universe would have a way to get you what you ask for. If any one of your dreamers lives in California, regardless of the county, would you mind share your experience as far as social services? I know mental health services is a very unique area and not many people know, how about social services? Like do you have a hard time applying any community services/program/assistance given your situation (as a dreamer, of course). Thank you very much.


--Linda

Oh very nice, that's why I'm moving to Cali, I'm starting a business, woul you mind telling me what kind of business you run?

I am not moving to California, I was referring to moving my sister to California to receive more medical services and assistance. My brother and I run a educational program for children in Arizona.

I think she might be eligible for medical(FULL not only for emergency care) even with her status, if not cali has tons of community helping programs, and many places low income house holds. I live in norther Cali