New State Law Will Ensure Developmentally Disabled Receive Services

A new state law has been created to ensure that those with developmental disabilities are receiving the services they need.

The legislation, which was sponsored by Senator Bob Gordon, (D-Dist. 38) was just recently signed into law by Governor Christie. Under the new law which goes into effect in six months, according to a statement, the state Division of Developmental Disabilities in the Department of Human Services will collect and maintain a database of information about persons with developmental disabilities who are eligible for services, and conduct an annual follow-up to ensure those eligible for state services are properly informed of its availability.

Gordon explained that in order for the state to make sure these residents are receiving the services they require, “the state must first have an accurate snapshot of who these residents are, where they live, and what type of support they really need. Without that information, the state cannot ensure that it is actually distributing its limited resources in the most efficient and effective way possible.”

The department will also be required to track the services the person currently receives, what services he or she is eligible for, a wish-list of services which the individual or family members would like to have to receive but cannot access, a plan for the next 10 years of services and the age and overall health status for the individual’s current caregiver.   

Annual follow-ups with individuals will be required by the department to follow-up in regards to the services the individual is receiving or his or her status on waiting lists for services.

“With this information, individuals with developmental disabilities and their families will be able to have a more informed dialogue with the Department, and be treated as people, not numbers,” said Gordon. “And, it will allow families and the state to work together in a more proactive and cooperative fashion to properly select the most effective treatment and services.”