Position Statements

Massachusetts Families Organizing For Change
STATE FACILITIES POSITION PAPER
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The position of Massachusetts Families Organizing for Change is that all six remaining state institutions operated by the Massachusetts Department of Mental Retardation be closed permanently. The funds yielded by the closure must be redirected to ensure high quality, individualized community support and service options.

The number of individuals living in these facilities has been steadily declining since the initiation of the 1970's international deinstitutionalization movement. Consistent with best practices, the Commonwealth currently supports more than 30,000 individuals with disabilities living in the community. Fewer than 1,000 individuals continue to live in the institutions that are still in operation (Fernald Developmental Center, Glavin Regional Center, Hogan Regional Center, Monson Developmental Center, Wrentham Developmental Center and Templeton Developmental Center) at an annual cost in excess of $160 million dollars.

We are sensitive to parents and relatives who accepted institutionalization for their family members at a time when few other options were available. State services have evolved so that individuals can be supported to have meaningful lives in their communities - this is happening all over Massachusetts.

MFOFC believes that all individuals have the right to live in the community. We support the Commonwealth of Massachusetts in closing the remaining six state institutions operated by the Department of Mental Retardation. As stated earlier in this paper, it is crucial that funds from the institution closings be redirected into the community system to support individuals served by the Department of Mental Retardation.

Adopted by MFOFC Board of Directors on February 1, 2008

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