See update here.Developmentally disabled consumers in vocational and skill-building programs in Washtenaw County can expect these programs to continue, although some consumers receiving supported employment services will be working through another provider.
At the November 17, 2009 meeting, the Washtenaw Community Health Organization (WCHO) Board voted to discontinue the contract with CHS, a provider of supported employment services, and reassign consumers receiving supported employment services to Workskills, another supported employment provider, and Community Supports and Treatment Services (CSTS). The CSTS skill-building programs (day programs and PACE groups) will continue as is. No consumers will lose vocational and skill-building services.
The programs provided by CSTS were threatened earlier in the year by drastic lay-offs and cuts by the Washtenaw County Board of Commissioners in order to plug a $30 million hole in the county budget. The County renegotiated labor contracts with county employee unions, saving $5.2 million over the next two years and 120 - 150 county jobs at CSTS.
The WCHO, which contracts for services from CSTS, will be able to fund the vocational and skill-building programs by consolidating some programs and using increased Medicaid funding from the federal government.
All three of the supported employment service providers (CSTS, Workskills, and CHS), had few complaints from recipient rights or customer services, but CHS is having serious financial problems. [It was noted at the meeting that there have been complaints about the choice of jobs available through supported employment programs.] The WCHO Board decided that the option of maintaining the contract with Workskills and CSTS would least disrupt consumers and still be cost-effective.
Changes are expected to be implemented by March 1st, 2010, which will allow time for adequate communication and negotiation with providers and adjusted work at CSTS.
4 comments:
CHS is having no financial problems and in fact has been able to run the program cost effectively.
CHS has had no financial problems and has been able to run the program more cost effectively than STEP who gave up the program in April 2009.
The statement that CHS is having severe financial problems was made publicly by a WCHO Board member at the November 17th meeting. It was made in response to another Board member's question about why the Finance Committee was recommending to discontinue the contract with CHS in particular. There may have been other considerations that I am not aware of.
It is my understanding that the WCHO could afford to continue to provide vocational services through CSTS by consolidating some services that are presently contracted out, thereby saving on administrative costs. The WCHO also will have some increase in Medicaid funds due to the state's economic problems.
Both CSTS and Workskills will continue to provide supported employment services to DD consumers.
My brother attends CHS and I was very disappointed when I heard that they were goinig to be closed. My brother is so happy there...in a way he hasn't been before. The warmth of the staff makes him feel like he is a part of something and his attitude has changed drramatically. He seems to believe in himself a great deal more since CHS took over and I couldn't be happier with the services. I understand that things are looking positive again and I hope this remains the caase. I do not want him to go anywhere else...especially a place where he feels like he is just a number. Thanks to CHS for getting things together so quickly and I look forward to another great year!
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