The Saskatchewan government is being called on to provide the necessary funding so Jessica Stuckey can live in a group-home type setting in Regina.

The 25-year-old has a genetic chromosomal abnormality called Smith-Magnus Syndrome, which puts her on an intellectual development stage of a six-year old.

Stuckey went to jail after being charged with making hundreds of 9-1-1 phone calls and threatening two mental support workers. Her adopted mother, Barbara Stuckey says Jessica had been able to live independently in Melville with the assistance of many community support programs.

“Things got worse around COVID when Jessica’s supports really dried up,” said Meara Conway, NDP social services critic at a Tuesday morning news conference. “Barbara has been pushing for this placement with this agency in Regina for two or three years. It is my understanding that there was some indication that if might be forthcoming, but it never has been.”

She was to have been sent to a psychiatric hospital, but due to staffing issues, ended up at the Pine Grove Correctional Centre in Prince Albert.

Jessica is currently in the provincial psychiatric hospital in North Battleford. Her psychiatrist is recommending she be placed with a charitable organization called Creative Options Regina (COR). It develops personal support services for people experiencing disability.

“What I would like to see is her get the funding to come to COR and have a life,” said Barbara Stuckey. “I always wanted her to have a life, an independent life where she is happy and has things to do like everyone else. That is what I would like to see happen.”

Conway says the government needs to fix Jessica’s situation and commit to reviewing and bolstering services for people living with disabilities.