The California Department of Developmental Services (DDS) has announced its intention to close the Lanterman Developmental Center in Pomona, California. The announcement was made on Friday, January 29, 2010. DDS plans to submit a detailed closure plan to the state legislature by April 1, 2010. Legislature approval is required before beginning closure procedures.
The Lanterman Developmental Center, located on 302 acres of state-owned land in Los Angeles County, is an 82-year-old facility that provides 24-hour residential care for individuals with developmental disabilities, including cerebral palsy, epilepsy, down syndrome, autism and other lifelong conditions. Lanterman at one time served more than 3,000 residents. Today there are fewer than 400 people living at the facility, with the population declining 10 percent or more each year. Given the declining population and aging infrastructure, DDS determined that it is no longer economical to operate the facility.
In a press release announcing the planned closure, the DDS stated it will utilize a transition process that places each resident in a living environment appropriate for his or her needs. According to DDS this process is consistent with the U.S. Supreme Court’s Olmstead decision.
“The decision to recommend closure was not made lightly, as it will impact the residents served, their families, and the staff, all of whom have worked hard to make Lanterman Developmental Center a caring and positive place to live,” said Terri Delgadillo, Director of the Department of Developmental Services, in the press release announcing the planned closure. “The well-being of all who live and work at Lanterman will be of our utmost concern and priority as we move forward.”
DDS went on to state that it will work closely with the local regional centers in defining and developing resources that will support the needs of residents who are identified through the individualized planning process as appropriate for transition to the community and will work with labor unions to assist employees in finding opportunities for future employment.
According to Friday's announcement, in identifying Lanterman for closure, DDS sets in motion a process defined in statute (Welfare and Institutions Code section 4474.1) for closing developmental centers that will include extensive community outreach and at least one public hearing. All interested parties, including residents, their family members, employees, regional centers, advocates, service providers, public officials, representatives from the communities surrounding Lanterman, and others are encouraged to participate.
A detailed closure plan is expected to be submitted to the Legislature by April 1, 2010 (just two months from now). Legislative approval must be received prior to beginning closure activities, which are projected for fiscal year 2010-2011.
For more information about the planned closure and details on upcoming meetings and hearing, contact Nancy Lungren, Assistant Director of Communications at DDS at 916-654-1820 or nancy.lungren@dds.ca.gov.
Visit www.dds.ca.gov for information about programs and services.
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