Governor Corzine signed a law in August 2006 requiring DDD to submit an “Olmstead” plan that included public input, criteria for candidates interested in moving, the needed resources, and how the funding, services and homes will be provided.  Olmstead is a 1999 U. S. Supreme Court decision affirming an individual's right to live outside an institution.  In concert with the Governor and the Legislature calling for the plan, $50 million was provided to DDD over a three year period, Fiscal Years 2007 – 2009, to begin Olmstead related efforts. 

One month prior to the law requiring the development of the plan, the Governor and the Legislature authorized the separation of child welfare services from DHS, which allowed for greater focus by the department on services for people with developmental disabilities.  Acting Commissioner Jennifer Velez, named to the post February 2, 2007, then elevated the position of the Division of Developmental Disabilities Director to an Assistant Commissioner level, directly reporting to the Commissioner.  The intent of the new reporting structure is to provide greater oversight in the implementation of the division's Olmstead and other community service expansion efforts.

“New Jersey's goal is to expand community living for people with developmental disabilities so that every resident of the developmental centers who wants to, and is ready to move to a home in the community, will have that opportunity,” said Acting Commissioner Velez.  “The plan is part of a continuing dialogue with families and advocates that will enhance services for all people with developmental disabilities and benefit the entire system of care.”

Four public hearings and a draft of the Path to Progress plan received dozens of comments from people with developmental disabilities, family members, advocates, organizations and agency representatives. Stakeholder involvement will continue through an Olmstead Implementation and Planning Advisory Council that will start meeting in June 2007.  The council members will include people with developmental disabilities, family members, advocates, provider agency representatives and state agency representatives.

NJ Department of Human Services
Overview Division of Developmental Disabilities Olmstead Plan
May 2, 2007

DHS Assistant Commissioner Kenneth Ritchey oversees DDD operations and will guide the implementation of the plan.  Ritchey joined DHS in March after running the state of Ohio's system of care for people with developmental disabilities. “The plan and the ongoing implementation process affords everyone involved with the chance to create new opportunities for people with developmental disabilities,” said Assistant Commissioner Ritchey.  “Many of the people living in developmental centers are ready to benefit from the rich and varied experiences of community life.”

The plan outlines the resources that will be necessary to support the residents who want to move to community settings, such as: accessible housing; healthcare; nursing; mental health services; physical, speech and occupational therapies; social and recreational activities; and employment opportunities.   Adding more services in community settings, rather than institutions such as developmental centers, is the national trend.  Every state has been working to enhance services in local communities and reduce reliance on institutions. Over the past 30 years, the number of people with developmental disabilities living in large public institutions in the United States has decreased by 73 percent.  New Jersey has reduced the number of people living in institutions over the same time period by 59 percent.

The residents of the developmental centers and their families/guardians will have the opportunity to learn about options in community settings and then choose from different types of housing and services.  DDD has qualified over 100 agencies to provide residential, employment and day programs, housing, behavior and medical supports to meet varying levels of behavior and medical needs.  A new crisis response system and emergency residential capacity will also help individuals remain in the community.  

As people move from the developmental centers to community homes, developmental centers will become smaller and eventually evolve into more specialized, regional centers to provide additional support to people with developmental disabilities residing in the community.  Specific services such as medical, dental, or respite will be among the available resources.

After an individual moves into the community, DDD will provide face-to-face visits to monitor the transition at 30, 60, 90 and 180 days and annually, up to three years following the move.  The transition monitoring team will include community and developmental center staff members who know the person well. 

After the transition period, monitoring will be through the existing DDD case management process.  This emphasis on follow up and monitoring will ensure the health, safety and well-being of each person who transitions to the community from the developmental centers.