Tag: DS Task Force

Looking Forward with the Developmental Services Task Force

The DS Task Force, originally the DC Task Force, was established by the California Health and Human Services Secretary in May 2013 to address issues related to the closure of the Developmental Centers. Since then the task force has evolved to become the Developmental Services Task Force dedicated to providing guidance to the DDS related to the delivery of services to people with intellectual and developmental disabilities in California.

Last week the newly convened DS Task Force met and provided updates on the final closures of the Developmental Centers, Home and Community Based Services, Self-Determination, the Rate Study, DDS Reorganization Implementation, Safety Net and Service Access and Equity. A comprehensive overview of the updates are available on the DS Task Force website. In addition to the updates the DS Task Force discussion focused on the Workgroups – Community Resources, Oversight, Accountability and Transparency, Safety Net, Service Access and Equity, System and Fiscal Reform – and areas of focus for the Workgroups. A comprehensive overview of the updates and workgroups is available on the DS Task Force website. https://www.dds.ca.gov/DSTaskForce/

In addition, last week the new Safety Net Workgroup met to discuss the current status of the safety net, what is working, what is not working and the overall continuum of care related to safety net services. Significant attention was given to identifying gaps in services along the continuum and making sure that as we engage in future discussions we build on the hard work of the previous members of the Safety Net Workgroup. I am looking forward to learning from the families, advocates, providers and experts coming together to work on services delivery and the safety net. The current sate safety net plan can be viewed here: https://www.dds.ca.gov/Budget/Docs/20170513-PlanCrisis-OtherSafetyNetServices.pdf

Participate In The Future of Developmental Services!

As discussed at the July 31, 2019, public meeting, the Department of Developmental Services (DDS) and the California Health and Human Services Agency are undertaking a new application process to find members for the Developmental Services (DS) Task Force and related DS Workgroups. This will re-establish the DS Task Force and DS Workgroups to make sure the groups reflect diverse community and services. Anyone interested in membership in either the DS Task Force and/or one of the DS Workgroups are welcome to apply.

Applications will be accepted through Tuesday, September 3, 2019. Applications can be submitted via email or US Mail. You only need to complete one application to apply for membership on the DS Task Force and/or any DS Workgroups. For example:

  1. You can apply to participate on the DS Task Force and not participate on a workgroup.
  2. You can apply to participate on the DS Task Force and one or more workgroups.
  3. You can apply to participate in only one workgroup, without being a member of the DS Task Force.
  4. You can apply to participate in more than one workgroup, without being a member of the DS Task Force.

Membership information and application form for details on the DS Task Force and descriptions of the DS Workgroups can be found here. This information will also be posted on the DDS website.

If you have any questions, please email [email protected] or call 916-654-1946.

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