Wallace Developmental Center, LBW Chapel, Decatur, AL

2:00 p.m. Legislators

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

6:30 p.m. Employees

• 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. As of March 1, 2003, Wallace had a census of 68.

• Despite the reduction in census, operating budgets have remained virtually unchanged. The Wallace facility budget for FY 03 is $16,224,400. 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:

Wallace FY 03 Facility Budget - $16,224,400

Wallace Census 3/1/03 - 68

Wallace Staff 3/1/03 - 295

Annual Cost per Client - $240,590

Per Diem Cost - $659.15