Dad has his passport, he has sorted out his Visitor's Visa, He has his Return Ticket, and is ready to spend the holidays with us!
When we started this fundrazr we didn't know where we would be
sleeping, or how long for. We just knew that most of us had no choice
but to go to America, and we had no idea how
With your help, we have survived the first seven weeks of this
trying ordeal. words will never express how grateful we are. Also,
thanks to the Choices Program, the American family members got back!
And with Your help, Dad wil be spending the holidays with us.
More about our story:
We came to England over four years ago, out of a desire for Mike to spend more time with his father, in his golden years.
Recent changes to the United Kingdom's immigration laws, have
made it so we are no longer able to remain as a family within the
United Kingdom. Dad (Mike) does not currently have the means required
to support us in accordance with UK immigration requirements. We had
planned to return to the United states with some careful planning, so
we could make the move as wisely and smoothly as possible.
But with our Visa's running out, we had no right to stay in the
United Kingdom, and when we came to be evicted from our home,
partially as a result of our Immigration statuses, it was time to come
home, whether we were ready or not.
As mentioned, the three sons of our family (Andrew, Marc, and
Kevin) live with Autism, and other comorbid conditions. they are
legally adults, but are dependants. Particularly their mother (Anne)
who is their caregiver. Their sister (Sadie) is a
"neruotypical" teenager, who also provides support for her
mother and brothers. Change and disruption is very difficult for
Autistic individuals. We want to keep as many members of the family
together as possible.
A few have asked why we did not fight to remain in the UK. The
answer to that question is that we have consulted a number of
immigration lawyers and services. We are not financially or
emotionally in a place to pursue a prolonged stay. Our time in the UK
has been filled with hardship, we are tired, and heartbroken. It only
makes sense to return to where our citizenship means something, So our
sons can seek things they can not aquire here (treatment, education,
work opportunities, etc)
We welcome any questions you may have, and want to offer
donaters as much transparency as possible.
Unfortunately, we have no incentives we can offer s except our
gratitude, as we have nothing left to give. But we can promise
pictures and frequent updates as they occur.
Thank you for your
time, if you can not donate, we would be touched if you helped spread
the word.
The Turner-Osborn Family.
Helpful links:
http://www.autismresearchcentre.com/what_is_autism
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3328100/
http://autismworkbarrier.org.uk/articles/autism-homelessness-and-unemployment
http://www.choices-avr.org.uk/
http://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/2014/22/contents/enacted