Update: MCCFL Disabilities Program Contract to Transfer Back to the State
Today Mid-Columbia Center for Living held a private meeting to discuss the end of MCCFL’s contract with the state to act as our local Community Developmental Disabilities Program. Center for Living stated the decision was made due to current operating costs exceeding state funding.
As the current CDDP Mid Columbia Center For Living’s contracted role is to provide eligibility determination, case management, licensure of Foster Homes, and protective service investigations for persons with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities (IDD).
“We’re financially unable to support these vital services to the degree needed by the community,” Center for Living said in their press release this afternoon. They also wanted to say that people with intellectual and developmental disabilities are “More than just clients to MCCFL, people with IDD are our neighbors, family members and citizens of our community.”
Earlier in the week staff and community members had expressed concerns about potential disruptions in CDDP services, the difficulties associated with transferring to new caseworkers, and staff layoffs. In an effort to prevent layoffs and minimize any disruption to CDDP services, The Center for Living has asked the Office of Development Disability Services (ODDS) to transition both the program duties and the existing professionally trained staff together.
“Our existing CDDP staff are dedicated, hardworking, and compassionate professionals. We acknowledge the decision to transition our contract after many years of serving the community is painful, sad, and ill-timed; especially during the COVID restrictions. MCCFL has strong relationships with the other IDD community partners and hears the concerns they share and face with this transition,” MCCFL said in their press release.
MCFFL is not involved in ODDS decision to select the next CDDP provider. ODDS will notify the Center for Living when a new provider has been selected.
Mid-Columbia Center for Living has said that they will continue to listen to community feedback and work to minimize challenges that arise out of this unfortunate and ill-timed change. “Our goal continues to be assisting in the transition of case management services to the IDD local community, community partners and ODDS until the transition of services are completed. We realize that these are extremely difficult times and we are committed to keeping our community informed.”
More information on ODDS’ decision to come.
