Plan for the Closure of Lanterman Developmental Center

I.
INTRODUCTION AND PLAN DEVELOPMENT PROCESS
This “Plan for the Closure of Lanterman Developmental Center” (Plan) is submitted by
the Department of Developmental Services (Department or DDS) pursuant to Welfare
and Institutions Code section 4474.1 (Attachment 1). The Plan identifies the essential
policies and strategies that will be utilized to:
• Achieve a safe and successful transition of individuals with developmental
disabilities from Lanterman Developmental Center (Lanterman or LDC) to other
appropriate living arrangements as determined through the individualized
planning process;
• Support employees with future employment options by generating or identifying
job opportunities, providing assistance, counseling and information, and working
closely with the affected bargaining units; and
• Address the disposition of, and other issues affecting, the Lanterman property.
Although a specific closure date for Lanterman has not been set, it is anticipated that
the closure process will take at least two years. Closure will occur only when necessary
services and supports are in place and each resident has transitioned.
BACKGROUND
Pursuant to existing law (Welfare and Institutions Code, Divisions 4.1 and 4.5), DDS is
responsible for providing services for persons with developmental disabilities through
two primary programs. In the first program, DDS contracts with 21 private non-profit
organizations called regional centers (RC) to develop, manage and coordinate services
and resources for persons found to be eligible (consumers) under the Lanterman
Developmental Disabilities Services Act (Lanterman Act). Services are provided to
approximately 242,000 consumers in the community. Service needs are determined
through a person-centered planning approach involving the consumer, the RC, and the
parents or other appropriate family members or legal representatives. In the second
program, DDS directly operates four developmental centers (DC) and one small
community facility providing 24-hour residential care and clinical services. Again, a
person-centered planning approach, that additionally includes DC staff, is utilized to
identify and meet service and treatment needs of the residents.
Up and until the late 1960’s, services for individuals with developmental disabilities were
primarily provided through state-operated facilities. In June 1968, California was
operating eight state hospitals serving over 13,300 residents. The population of the
DCs has since decreased, mirroring national trends. This decrease began in 1969
when the community-based system was initiated in California under the newly
established Lanterman Mental Retardation Services Act, now the Lanterman Act. The
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