Plan for the Closure of Lanterman Developmental Center

On behalf of Lanterman’s employees, contact has already been made with the
California Employment Development Department’s Los Angeles County Rapid
Response Coordinator and the Los Angeles Urban League Pomona WorkSource
Center. These entities stand ready to provide the comprehensive services as specified
in the Workforce Investment Act (WIA) and assist Lanterman in providing Career Center
services that include education and information related to interview skills, resume
preparation, unemployment benefits, the California Training Benefits program, credit
counseling and Employee Assistance Program services.
If the Plan is approved by the Legislature, Lanterman employees will be surveyed to
obtain information on their future employment interests, including relocation to another
developmental center; and also to solicit from them the resources and assistance they
believe they will need during the closure.
OPPORTUNITIES IN THE DEVELOPMENTAL DISABILITIES SERVICES SYSTEM
AND OTHER ORGANIZATIONS
The Department has initiated communication with other state departments, counties,
cities and regional centers as part of a multi-faceted program that will address the
placement of Lanterman staff. Contacts were focused on employers with similar
occupational classifications in counties and cities where employees primarily reside.
These contacts will continue and expand throughout the planning process as additional
opportunities are identified to engage state and local entities on behalf of the employees
of Lanterman.
If this Plan is approved, the Department and other state and local employers will share
information on an ongoing basis through this employee placement program. Such
exchange will include the classifications and numbers of employees, the anticipated
staffing needs of the employers and the ability of Lanterman staff to meet their
recruitment needs, advertised job openings for which Lanterman employees can apply,
information on local recruitment events and training programs, and opportunities for
employers to participate in Lanterman-sponsored job fairs.
In addition to efforts made on behalf of Lanterman employees as a group, there will be a
number of individualized services offered with the Department’s first priority being to
assist employees in identifying alternatives that build upon their expertise and
strengthen the developmental disabilities services system.
Employees at Lanterman, as well as at other developmental centers, have learned or
developed a wide range of special skills that make them effective in providing services
and supports to persons with developmental disabilities. In California, most employees
have to complete a training program and/or pass a licensing exam administered by the
State and in addition, these professionals have developed a repertoire of expertise
beyond their formal education that is invaluable in working with persons with
developmental disabilities. Because a great number of Lanterman’s employees have
committed many years of their lives to providing services and supports to this special
19