Plan for the Closure of Lanterman Developmental Center

V.
IMPACT OF THE CLOSURE OF LANTERMAN
The closure of Lanterman will impact all who live or work at the DC as well as their
families, friends, and the local community. The well-being of the residents and
employees will remain the top priority for the Department throughout the closure
process. While change will be difficult, the Department is committed to developing
positive options for both the residents and employees, and supporting them in
meaningful ways. Integral to this process is continuing to work closely with
stakeholders to anticipate and address issues timely, and in a way that mitigates any
adverse impact. As realized during the closures of Agnews and Sierra Vista
Community Facility, closure also brings opportunities for improving people’s lives.
There is not a single viewpoint as to how the closure will impact Lanterman residents
and their families, employees, the community, and the regional center system. To
ensure everyone’s views are represented, all written correspondence received
regarding the closure is provided in Attachment 3.
Impact on Residents and Their Families
Each resident will participate in planning for his or her own personal future and will
transition to an alternative living option that meets personal preferences, interests, and
needs. While many individuals will move to locations in the community, others may
need to transfer to another developmental center. Regardless of location, all will
receive the services and supports identified in their IPP.
As is true for all persons with developmental disabilities served through the regional
center system in California, residents moving out of Lanterman into the community will
receive the full range of services, including person-centered planning, access to
specialized services, service coordination and case management, and quality of
service monitoring from employees of the local regional center. New service models, in
particular the new residential facility licensure category for individuals with enduring
medical needs, will provide greater opportunities for some residents to live in the
community.
Residents who transfer to other developmental centers will receive the same highquality
services that they received at Lanterman. The Department will ensure that
services and supports are in place to meet their needs.
Impact of closure on residents of Lanterman and their family members is anticipated to
vary, but the Department places great value on maintaining family contact and
providing residential options in close proximity to family members.
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