HARTFORD, Conn. -- The 3,000 Connecticut families with case managers from the developmental and social services departments said they're afraid they would be stripped of that service is Gov. Jodi Rell's proposed budget is passed.

Case managers advocate for disabled citizens and help them get proper medical care and social services, according to department officials. In the case of a child, officials said, they also help them adapt and learn in the school system.

One such child is Bella Silva, 10, who suffers from Down's syndrome.

Bella's mother, Patti Silva, said her daughter has a case worker who helps her get the most out of school, and life.

But on July 1, the Silvas may lose their case worker due to budget cuts.

The union said it agreed to make concessions. They said the Department of Developmental Services will lose 35 to 40 case workers because of early retirement and that the positions won't be filled.

Each case worker has about 85 clients, officials said.

"There is a human face to every cut," said state Rep. Peter Terziak, D-New Haven.

Case workers said the services they offer help families succeed and that many disabled individuals learn to live independently.

"It's like severing a lifeline," case manager Susan Trumbull said.

According to the union, if families are not eligible for Medicaid, they will lose their case workers.

"Three-thousand families will be cut off," parent Sandy Astarita said. "Shame on you."