4300 Department of Developmental Services
Program Descriptions

4145 - DEVELOPMENTAL CENTERS PROGRAM

The Department operates three developmental centers: Fairview (Orange County), Porterville (Tulare County), and Sonoma (Sonoma County). Secure treatment services are provided at Porterville Developmental Center. In addition, the Department leases one small community facility for persons who require specialized behavioral interventions: Canyon Springs, a 63-bed facility in Cathedral City. The developmental centers are licensed as General Acute Care Hospitals with distinct parts for skilled nursing care and intermediate care. Canyon Springs operates as an intermediate care facility only. Services at all facilities involve the provision of active treatment through residential and day programs on a 24-hour basis, including appropriate medical and dental care, health maintenance activities, and assistance with activities of daily living, training, education, and employment.

The primary objectives of the Developmental Centers Program include providing care, treatment, and habilitation services to residents based upon assessed need and as outlined in each person's Individual Program Plan. These services are offered in the most efficient, effective, and least restrictive manner to all individuals referred by the regional centers and/or the judicial system; and are designed to teach individuals skills for increased independence, provide for preservation or improvement of health and welfare, and enhance personal competence in all areas of daily living.

The Developmental Centers Division provides central administrative and clinical management services to the three developmental centers and the leased small community facility to ensure the quality of services provided, compliance with state licensing and federal certification requirements, protection of consumers and staff, and maintenance of facility structures and grounds. Areas of responsibility include the development of policy and procedures for all aspects of the developmental centers operations, law enforcement and protective services, facility population management, program and fiscal oversight, and facilities planning and support.

The Department has initiated closure planning for the remaining developmental centers. Sonoma Developmental Center is scheduled to close by the end of 2018, with Fairview Developmental Center and the non-secure treatment portion of Porterville Developmental Center planned for closure by 2021.