Tarwater Developmental Center, Activity Building, Wetumpka

3:30 p.m. Employees

5:00 p.m. Families/Community Families/Community Providers

6:30 p.m. Employees (second shift)

• Nationally, according to Residential Services for Persons with Developmental Disabilities: Status and Trends Through 2001, since 1960, 163 out of 352 developmental centers have closed. Currently, there are seven states and the District of Columbia that have closed all state-operated facilities and rely entirely upon community-based care.

• In Alabama, since the Wyatt case began in the early 1970’s, downsizing has resulted in significant census reductions in state operated developmental centers. For example, in 1970 there were over 2,000 residents at Partlow. Today, there are less than 150. In 1995, Tarwater served 130 individuals. As of March 1, 2003, Tarwater had a census of 68.

• Despite the reduction in census, operating budgets have remained virtually unchanged. In 1995 Tarwater’s facility budget was $11,281,245 and the facility budget for FY 03 is $11,802,509. With only 350 persons remaining in the four facilities, it has become necessary to propose consolidation of state operated developmental centers.

• The mental retardation system serves 3% of its population in state facilities. That 3% consumes 28% of the mental retardation budget.

• While the proposed consolidation represents change and will be inconvenient to some families, it is important to note that no services will be cut.

• Our employees will be given options for employment and there will be alternative uses for the facilities to offset any adverse effects on the community.

The following is a summary of the facts that relate to the consolidation plan:

Tarwater FY 03 Facility Budget - $11,802,509

Tarwater Census 3/1/03 - 68

Tarwater Staff 3/1/03 - 204

Annual Cost per Client - $155,819

Per Diem Cost - $426.90