The last few days I have learned that moving the men from Judah has continued, seemingly at full speed. Only Dale’s move has been put on hold. From the bits and pieces I’ve been able to learn, I think Dale’s friends have already been moved or will be moved this coming week.
After much thought, in brief, I have come to the conclusion that the Fair Hearing process is or will be more upsetting for Dale than the move to another unit. Therefore, tomorrow I will take whatever steps necessary to withdraw the request for a Fair Hearing.
At least I've learned two facts: 1) “Fair Hearing” is anything but fair. 2) What I thought was my legal right as a conservator to be duly informed has been/is being totally ignored. (At Dale’s semi-annual IPP June 21, 2012 absolutely nothing was mentioned regarding the closure of Judah or moving Dale to another unit.)
Thanks to all for your support, Sue Donaldson.
After much thought, in brief, I have come to the conclusion that the Fair Hearing process is or will be more upsetting for Dale than the move to another unit. Therefore, tomorrow I will take whatever steps necessary to withdraw the request for a Fair Hearing.
At least I've learned two facts: 1) “Fair Hearing” is anything but fair. 2) What I thought was my legal right as a conservator to be duly informed has been/is being totally ignored. (At Dale’s semi-annual IPP June 21, 2012 absolutely nothing was mentioned regarding the closure of Judah or moving Dale to another unit.)
Thanks to all for your support, Sue Donaldson.
PHA received news that Judah will be closing in the near future. Judah is a unique unit for male only behavior residents. Many of those residents have called Judah home for years and have forged relationships with staff and peers.They are one of Sonma's most vulnerable populations.
The closure of Judah at this time is puzzling for a number of reasons. Cochran, another behavior unit has only 11 residents. Of those 11, four are planning moves to community homes leaving only seven Cochran residents. Judah has 21 residents.
One reason some families were given is possible PTSD syndrome for Judah residents from the well publicized taser incident that took place one year ago. However other non Judah residents were also involved and this suggests that taser incidents occured off unit at the worksite. Clearly this explanation makes no sense. Further, members of PHA received assurance that Judah staff had been moved to break up any groups who "should have known" and reported abuse.
It is possible that the closure is for political reasons. Perhaps the publicity was an issue. Perhaps the closure was included in the Plans of Correction. Whatever the reason it is not one based on the needs of the residents. It appears Judah residents are to be subjected to further trauma.
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The following letter from Sue Donaldson, a parent of a Judah resident, was recently sent to Karen Clark, Executive Director of Sonoma Developmental Center. We reprint it here with Sue's permission.
August 26, 2012
Karen Clark, Executive Director
Sonoma Developmental Center
P. O. Box 1493
Eldridge, CA 95431
Dear Karen:
I appreciate you meeting with me last Friday and sharing some information regarding the closure of Judah which was/is my main concern. However, after much thought, I do not believe that PTSD (Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder) as a reason makes sense; neither does the haste (by November 1) in which the closure is being conducted. Further, I did not hear a comprehensive plan for the closure; I also wonder why there seems to be a shroud of secrecy.
First, taser victims were from units other than Judah and understand the work site was also involved. Why is Judah the victim? Dale has been on several visits with his parents in Santa Rosa and sister in Point Arena since we were informed in late September 2011 that he was one of twelve taser victims. Also, there has been three JUFSG (Judah Unit Family Support Group) parties/luncheons. There was no notable difference in Dales or other Judah residents behavior. I believe with all my heart and soul that closing Judah will be much more traumatic than the long ago taser event. Not only will the men be taken from their home of many years, they will be separated from their friends. Judah has been Dales home for thirty years. The way I see it, the taser victims will once again be victims and more likely to exhibit PTSD and the return of resolved behavior problems.
In addition, the Judah closure will impact residents on other units; I understand the men will be relocated to at least three other units in program 4. In turn, some residents on these units will be moved to units in other programs. The rush to close Judah makes me strongly feel that Dale and all the other residents involved are being treated like merchandise instead of human beings. I was notified of the November 1 closure August 17. The more recent closures of units has been announced publicly several months in advance along with comprehensive plans.
[According to my parent/family group newsletter archives, the projected move from Paxton to renovated Judah was July 1982; this move was well planned and family members were informed of the move several months in advance. The groups first meeting/event at Judah was a BBQ August 29, 1982.]
I firmly believe that the closure of Judah is not in the best interest of all residents involved and hope the closure will be reconsidered; at least set the date of closure past the holidays.
Sincerely,
Sue A. Donaldson
cc PHA board; JUFSG
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