The LDC families are devastated by the news of the possible closure of Lanterman.

Developmental Center families have been told again and again that closing another DC is not an option because the costs would be prohibitive.

The LDC residents are medically and psychologically fragile with complex needs that cannot be underestimated. Some are self-injurious, violent or exhibit other serious antisocial behaviors and are on powerful black-box medications that need close supervision. Some need continuous hospital care or are unable to comprehend the simplest concepts with mental abilities in the infant or toddler stage, and would not benefit from a community setting.

Our family members are able to live with dignity and safety because of the quality, professional, individualized, and loving care they receive from staff at Lanterman.

California law requires:

• The state to respect the choices made by consumers or where appropriate, their parents, legal guardian, or conservators. (W&I 4502.1, “Lanterman Act”)

• The state to provide programs and services as outlined in the Individual Program Plan. (W&I 4646)

• The state to “insure a level of care and services in the community which is equal to or better than that provided by the state hospitals.” (H&S 1501)

Lanterman DC provides:

• 24/7 on-site licensed staff and provides for medical, dental, psychiatric and other specialty care specific to consumers’ needs in an integrated setting with prescription medications administered and monitored by licensed staff.

• A safe and secure environment as defined by code and verified by licensed fire, health and building inspectors.

Minimum-wage community care workers with a week or two of training cannot possibly provide the required services that experienced, professional, licensed psych techs, doctors, nurses and others who staff LDC do. Community care facilities cannot and do not provide anywhere near the level of services that are available at LDC.