Press Release

 

For Immediate Release:                                            
August 24, 2010                                                                           
                                                                                                    
                                                                                                  

State Auditor Report Raises Troubling Questions About California’s $3.4 (B) Program for Developmentally Disabled
CDSA Urges State Legislators to Require More Transparency and Stricter State Oversight

 

Sacramento -  California Disabilities Services Association (CDSA), Executive Director Christopher Rice, issued the following statement Tuesday, regarding the release of the California State Auditor Report focusing on the Department of Developmental Services. The report outlines troubling issues within the Department and calls for more transparency and rate consistency within the State’s 21 Regional Centers.


“This audit documents the worst possible outcome for taxpayers, families and Californians with developmental disabilities. States auditors highlighted numerous instances of apparent ’favoritism‘ and ’fiscal irresponsibility‘ within California’s service delivery system, resulting in  dysfunctional procedures that unfairly reduce services to California’s 240,000 residents with developmental disabilities.


“Even more disturbing, the report found that more-than-half of the Regional Center employees are afraid to speak up when they see improper activities or abuses. That fear fosters a dangerous culture in a system that is responsible for administering critically needed services for Californians with disabilities.
“CDSA strongly urges the State Legislature to strengthen whistleblower protections  and take immediate steps to reduce bureaucratic waste by implementing  more transparency and stricter oversight within the Department.”


The California Disability Services Association represents more than 100 community-based, non-profit direct care service providers that  assist individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities including, but not limited to, mental retardation, cerebral palsy, autism, epilepsy, and other conditions similar to mental retardation or requiring treatment similar to mental retardation. Our goal is to provide quality services to individuals who require long-term supports and to promote independent choice through the Lanterman Developmental Disabilities Services Act (Lanterman Act). 

 

 

 

Contact Chris Rice, Executive Director
California Disability Services Association
916-441-5844, ext. 106
crice@cal-dsa.org