The Department of Human Services last week released a report highlighting the department’s commitment to maintaining high-quality services to assure the health and well-being of nearly 12,000 individuals with developmental disabilities who reside in community-based homes across the commonwealth. The report includes planned and on-going initiatives to improve the quality of care people receive in their communities.

The report is the result of an on-going strategic group comprised of stakeholders, advocates, providers, an individual living in a residential home, and family members of individuals who live in residential services.

To view the Improving the Quality of Residential Services report, click here.

Governor Tom Wolf continues to expand access to community-based services for Pennsylvanians with intellectual and developmental disabilities and autism. In partnership with the General Assembly, more than $381 million has been invested since 2015, allowing 7,500 more people to access services among their families and peers in their community.

The 2019-2020 state budget proposal continues this progress by investing $1.6 million in state funds for 30 new licensing staff for the Office of Developmental Programs. $15 million will also be invested to serve an additional 765 people in the Community Living Waiver and 100 people who may experience unanticipated emergencies in the Consolidated Waiver.

SOURCE: Pennsylvania Department of Human Services email