Four institutions in MA scheduled to close
December 13th, 2008From the Boston Globe, AP/Boston Globe and the Worcester [MA] Telegram & Gazette:
Massachusetts announced Friday that it plans to close four of its six state institutions for people with developmental disabilities, including the Fernald Developmental Center, and transfer more than 300 residents to group homes.
It appears to mark the final chapter in a legal battle over whether to keep Fernald open, and it could signal an end to the era of using state-run institutions to house the mentally retarded.
The move brought cheers from advocates who believe that community-based housing saves money and provides residents with a more comfortable setting. But workers’ unions vowed to oppose the decision, and those whose family members are staying at the institutions were dismayed about moving fragile loved ones into new living environments.


December 13th, 2008 at 12:53 pm
It’s about time. They are dirty and they are not healthy and they are too expensive. It is cheaper to live in the community! Institutions suck.