10/30/2012
Rebalancing initiative improves quality of life for people with developmental disabilities by increasing community care options
Governor Pat Quinn and the Illinois Department of Human Services
(IDHS) are taking another step forward in the rebalancing initiative that will increase community care options for people with developmental disabilities and reduce the number of out-moded institutions in the state.
"We have a developed a comprehensive, well thought out plan to transition JDC residents safely into the community," said IDHS Secretary Michelle R.B. Saddler. "Each and every person who leaves Jacksonville will have a transition meeting prior to discharge."
All Jacksonville Developmental Center (JDC) residents have gone through a thorough planning process, including assessment, consultation with families and guardians, and planning sessions with providers to determine needs and ensure safe transitions. Community settings allow individuals to receive the care they need, including 24-hour care. Community care is also significantly less costly than institution-based care.
The current census at JDC is 99 and approximately 45 residents are scheduled to transition over the next couple of weeks. Active and on-going transition work is being done for these and other remaining residents.
Some families and guardians have chosen to transfer their loved ones to another State Operated Developmental Center (SODC). As a result of those transfers, residents of the impacted SODCs will then have the opportunity to move into the community.
The rebalancing initiative dovetails with the administration's recent settlement of a series of court cases related to the Americans with Disabilities Act, requiring the expansion of community care settings.
