Town Hall Meeting
Lanterman Closure
The Budget for 2009-2010 was signed by the Governor on July 28, 2009. Trailer Bill Language (TBL) AB9 became law. The Department of Developmental Services (DDS) was mandated by the Legislature to identify $384 million in savings reductions since February and all 21 regional centers have been notified by DDS of many proposed changes to the Welfare and Institutions Code (also known as the Lanterman Act). These changes will have a significant impact on many of our families and consumers as well as how SCLARC delivers the services upon which our stakeholders depend.
The Board of Directors, Leadership and staff of South Central Los Angeles Regional Center are committed to providing services as prescribed by the Lanterman Act. As stated, the regional center system has been directed by the Legislature to cut $384 million from its budget, and Trailer Bill Language AB9 drastically changes the provisions of the Lanterman Act.
What this means to you?
You or your loved one’s services may be impacted during this fiscal year. Please be advised that the attached cost containment initiatives may prohibit the regional from purchasing a number of services. And that certain services are “suspended” until the development and implementation of a new Individual Choice Budget Model. Many of these reductions will affect services that are already authorized in Individual Program Plans (IPP), and Individualized Family Service Plans (IFSP). Your service coordinator will contact you in the coming days to discuss the required changes and how you will be affected.
We know that the reductions to services will impact our stakeholders. But please remember that by helping to achieve these savings, you are helping to ensure that the Lanterman Act will be around for future generations. Simply put, if we fail to achieve the required savings, we could be putting our system at great risk. If you and your service coordinator are unable to reach an agreement on the reduction(s), you will be provided with a notice of action and information regarding the appeal rights process.
Under the Lanterman Act, consumers and families have the right to appeal any decision or action of the regional center with which they are dissatisfied. But before you exercise this right on behalf of your loved one, we hope that you will read the materials presented, speak at length with your service coordinator, attend the community meetings regarding the cost reduction implementation plan with an open mind and partner with SCLARC in the spirit of cooperation as we continue to serve the agency’s 9,000 consumers and families.
Sincerely,
Dexter A Henderson
Executive Director, SCLARC
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