NJ Lawmaker: Halt Development Center Closures

NEW JERSEY 101.5

New Jersey should put a hold on the closure of any developmental centers until a comprehensive safety plan is developed according to Assembly Human Services Committee Chair Valerie Vainieri Huttle.

The call for a closure moratorium comes in response to the death of 68-year-old Maureen Doran who was a patient at the Woodbridge Developmental Center.

Vainieri Huttle has sent a letter to New Jersey Department of Human Services (DHS) Commissioner Jennifer Velez. The Assemblywoman plans to follow up the letter with a bill ordering a halt to any closures until DHS issues a comprehensive, publicly-available closure plan to ensure that the safety and well-being of residents at the Woodbridge and North Jersey Developmental Centers are not compromised by the closures.

“Tragic incidents have occurred at developmental centers, group homes, and other residences,” said Vainieri Huttle (D-Bergen). “Regardless of where it happens, we must make sure that we are doing all we can to prevent abuse and neglect of our most vulnerable.”

There shouldn’t be any more transfers before the investigation concludes said Vainieri Huttle and there should be a moratorium on the closures until DHS produces a transition plan available to the families and the public that addresses such concerns as sufficient staffing resources, ratio, and oversight.

“I am requesting that the department stop the closure process now, review safety procedures, and create a closure plan before it moves forward with any additional transfers,” explained the assemblywoman. “I hope the department begins this process immediately, though I will soon introduce legislation requiring a moratorium until a closure plan is in place.”