Why is the Fort Wayne State Developmental Center closing?

The Fort Wayne State Developmental Center is closing because the modern standard of care for people with mental retardation is to live in the community, rather than in large segregated institutions. Most states have downsized and closed many of their institutions in favor of smaller, more individualized, community-based settings.

Our advancements in medicine have also pioneered our ability to serve our people with developmental disabilities in a community setting. We now have modern medications available that address health problems such as seizures and choking; medications that aren't as complicated to give. And we now have medical care group homes available where there were none before.

Mitch Roob said that the State will save money. How much and how will it be used?

The state pays $860 per day to house each of the 210 residents of the Developmental Center, according to the FSSA. In contrast, the state would pay up to $400 per day to care for the residents in community settings.

The savings will be reinvested in the program, providing services for more people with disabilities. As many as 10,000 Hoosiers with developmental disabilities are on a waiting list for state assistance.

Why did the State decide to layoff state employees and contract with Liberty of Indiana to operate and manage FWSDC for the remaining time the Center will be open?

The current contract with Liberty for operation of the facility is being expanded to include managing the reduction of staff and clients as clients transition out of the institutional setting into other community care settings. This will enable FSSA to further its purpose as a healthcare financing organization rather than an organization providing direct care.

Who is Liberty of Indiana?

Liberty of Indiana is a division of Liberty Healthcare Corporation of Bala Cynwyd, Pennsylvania.

Liberty manages and/or provides staff to Intermediate Care Facilities for the Mentally Retarded (ICF-MRs), state mental health facilities, private industry, forensic programs and programs for sexually violent predators.

Liberty is also known for its work in assisting facilities to remodel themselves if they have difficulty meeting federal and state regulations for services to individuals with mental retardation.

All Liberty corporate executives have clinical and management experience in the specialty they currently manage.

Liberty of Indiana was formed in 2005 by Liberty Healthcare Corporation to strengthen its focus on, and commitment to serving the citizens of the State of Indiana.

Learn more about Liberty of Indiana.