DDS Proposes Trailer Bill Language for State Budget

The Department of Developmental Services has proposed two pieces of Trailer Bill Legislation to the state budget now under discussion in Sacramento.

1. (628) Crisis Admissions
2. (629) Community State Staff Program

Click on the links to access a copy to read and/or download (pdf).

IN RELATED BUDGET NEWS:

There are two budget hearings coming up in just a few days.

The Assembly budget hearing is this Friday, May 16, 2014, at 9 a.m., in Room 4300, at the State Capitol in Sacramento.

And then on Monday, May 19th, the Senate budget hearing, will be held at 1 p.m., in Room 4203, also at the State Capitol in Sacramento.

---

Also, there has been some May Revised Language proposed, which relates to the Task Force recommendations issued earlier this year and Sonoma Developmental Center. It is as follows:

The Plan for the Future of Developmental Centers

The Plan for the Future of Developmental Centers in California, issued January 13, 2014, recommended that the future role of the state should be the operation of a limited number of smaller, safety‑net crisis and residential services. The Plan also recommends continuing to serve individuals judicially committed to the state for competency training and to provide these individuals transition services as they move back to the community. Further, the Plan recommended developing new and additional service components, including development of an enhanced community behavioral home model and providing health resource centers and community housing through public/private partnerships. Consistent with the Plan, the May Revision proposes developing resources in the community for individuals transitioning from developmental centers, as follows:

• Developing a pilot program for a new enhanced behavioral support home model in the community. The May Revision contains $13 million in reappropriated Community Placement Plan funds for this purpose.
• Improving crisis services at Fairview Developmental Center and establishing new crisis services at Sonoma Developmental Center. The May Revision proposes $3.2 million ($2 million General Fund) and 43.1 positions to serve individuals in the community with developmental disabilities who need short‑term stabilization.
• Expanding the Community State Staff Program to support individuals moving from developmental centers and enhancing regional center staffing to support community transition, resource development, and quality assurance. The May Revision contains $458,000 ($321,000 General Fund) and four redirected positions for the Department to evaluate developmental services community placement funds.

Significant Adjustment:

• Federal Certification Status — The May Revision includes $1.5 million ($894,000 General Fund) for 2014‑15 contract costs related to the Program Improvement Plan for Fairview, Porterville, and Lanterman Developmental Centers. The Plan was entered into on January 16, 2014, with the California Department of Public Health and the federal Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services to bring the facilities back into compliance with federal requirements.