Legislators recommend funding linked to closure of Lanterman Developmental Center

As the state's budget process moves along, legislative
subcommittees have made budgetary recommendations associated with the
closure of Lanterman Developmental Center in Pomona.

The Health and Human Services Subcommittee of the Assembly's Budget
Committee this week supported funding for services associated with
the relocation of Lanterman residents into community settings.

A Health and Human Services Subcommittee of the Senate Budget
Committees in April voted in support of funding for such services.

In January, the state Department of Developmental Services announced
that it plans to close the center that encompasses 286 acres of
state-owned property on the western edge of Pomona near the 57
Freeway.

The Governor's May budget revision contains language that says the
state Department of Developmental Services recommends using about
$50.7 million for services such as assessment, start-up, and placement
needs of those moving out of Lanterman into community settings next
fiscal year, according to a Senate subcommittee agenda.

In addition, $3.5 million in federal dollars would set aside so
regional centers could pay for staff to develop living arrangement
resources along with health and dental services for residents much as was
provided to residents of Agnews Developmental Center in San Jose, the agenda said.

Agnews closed last year.

In the mean time, those opposed to the closure of Lanterman
Developmental Center say they will continue monitoring legislators
actions and lobby to keep the center open.

"We're not of a mind to give up," said Brad Whitehead, president of
the Lanterman Chapter of the California Association of Psychiatric
Technicians on Friday. "We're still going to oppose the closure."

Whitehead said that while some people with severe developmental
disabilities are able to transition into community settings others are
unable to make such a change.

Some residents do better in a setting like Lanterman where they have
24 hour access to experts who are familiar with their developmental
and medical needs, he said.

Whitehead said that although law makers are calling for making
funding available for residents' transition from Lanterman to community
settings, as was provided for residents of Agnews, it will probably
not be at the same level due to the state's fiscal situation.

[TAG3]monica.rodriguez@inlandnewspapers.com
(909) 483-9337