COMMONWEALTH OF MASSACHUSETTS

STATE SENATOR
MICHAEL O. MOORE

SECOND WORCESTER DISTRICT
State House, Room 518, Boston, MA  02133 (617) 722-1485

May 12, 2009

Sen. Moore, Rep. Polito Testify in Favor of Keeping Development Centers Open

BOSTON —  In response to Governor Patrick’s proposal to close four of the six developmental centers across the Commonwealth, Senator Michael O. Moore (D-Millbury) and Representative Karyn E. Polito (R-Shrewsbury) testified today at a hearing of the Joint Committees on Children & Families and Mental Health & Substance Abuse in favor of keeping the four facilities open, including the Irving A. Glavin Regional Center in Shrewsbury.

“I have concluded that the administration's proposal is not what is in the best interests of the residents.” Sen. Moore said. “Though the administration's desire to see more individuals thrive in community settings is admirable, group homes are simply not the best option for many developmental center residents. Of 51 individuals currently cared for in the Glavin Center, 39 had previously been placed in the community with unsuccessful results.”

“Now is not the time to implement a new program that could lead to higher costs to the Commonwealth, and reduced level of care to our most vulnerable citizens,” said Rep. Polito, who also serves on the Joint Committee on Mental health and Substance Abuse.  “The Glavin Regional Center offers a small, unique setting for individuals with complicated developmental issues and provides a community setting that is wholesome, supportive, and includes the necessary professional supports. In my view, it would not be fiscally or programmatically responsible to move forward with the Patrick administration’s closure plan until a full study analysis of costs and quality of care is conducted with legislative input.”

The pair were joined in their testimony by Dr. Alfred Bacotti of Shrewsbury, a former director of the Glavin Center, and Roland Charpentier of Westborough, President of the Friends of Glavin association. Mr. Charpentier’s brother is currently cared for at the Glavin Center. Both Bacotti and Charpentier oppose the closure.

The Department of Mental Retardation announced their intention to close the four facilities in December of 2008. Since that time, Sen. Moore and Rep. Polito have both worked to keep the facilities open. Family members and guardians of residents at the Glavin Center have expressed concerns to both legislators that community-based placements would not be the best option for their loved ones, many of whom have severe disabilities. 

The House of Representatives recently adopted an amendment to their budget, requiring the facilities to remain open until a study can be conducted. Sen. Moore intends to fight to ensure that similar language be included in the Senate budget, which will come to the Senate floor for debate over the course of the next few weeks.
 

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