DHS plans to transition 200 individuals from state-operated developmental centers to community living      

[JUNE 22, 2006]  SPRINGFIELD -- Last week the Illinois Department of Human Services announced plans to transition an additional 130 people with disabilities from state-operated developmental centers to community living. The moves are the second phase of the department's Transition to Community Living Initiative. The department has already launched a plan to move 70 individuals to community living.

"We are pleased to announce that we are expanding community living options and providing additional opportunities for those who are choosing to move from state-operated developmental centers," said Department of Human Services Secretary Carol L. Adams, Ph.D. "The goal of this initiative is to transition 200 individuals over the next six months."

The department's Division of Developmental Disabilities operates the nine developmental centers. Currently there are 2,708 people living in state-operated developmental centers, or SDOCs, which is a decrease from 2,910 in June of 2003.

The moves will enhance staffing ratios at the centers and improve the quality of care for residents, most of whom have severe developmental disabilities and medical needs.

The residents will move to community-integrated living arrangements or intermediate care facilities for the developmentally disabled. These are smaller group-home living arrangements with 24-hour care.

The Department of Human Services will continue to work in partnership with community providers on this initiative.

"Trinity has worked with the department to develop residential and day program opportunities for individuals moving from SODCs," said Art Dykstra, executive director of Trinity Services, located in Joliet. "In recent years, due to changing service needs of individuals, we have even tailored our programs to these special needs, and individuals have been successful and thrived in their new homes. We look forward to participating in this expanded initiative."

The state's nine developmental centers are:

• Choate Developmental Center, Anna

• Fox Developmental Center, Dwight

• Howe Developmental Center, Tinley Park

• Jacksonville Developmental Center, Jacksonville

• Ann Kiley Developmental Center, Waukegan

• Ludeman Developmental Center, Park Forest

• Mabley Developmental Center, Dixon

• Murray Developmental Center, Centralia

• Shapiro Developmental Center, Kankakee

[Illinois Department of Human Services news release]

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