That's was my brother's response when I got the call that the New Jersey Development Center our autistic sister currently resides will be closing down. Thanks to our beloved Gov. Chris Christie's Task Force.
N.J. panel recommends closing two institutions for disabled
A task force established by the governor and the Legislature announced plans today to close within five years state-run institutions for the developmentally disabled in Woodbridge and Totowa that house almost 700 residents and employ 2,600 workers.
Gov. Chris Christie and the Legislature established the group as a compromise in an effort to delay the closing of the Vineland Developmental Center, which the governor had initially proposed. As part of the agreement, the recommendations of the five-member panel are binding.
(snip)
The task force voted 4-0 with one abstention to close the facilities, and is expected to approve a final report outlining other recommendations at a meeting next week.
Oh and here's my favorite quote:
"The evidence is so overwhelming people do better in the community," she said. "This decision is long overdue."
"They do know they're throwing crazy people out on the street, right?"
"Yup."
"They do know they're throwing crazy people out on the street, right?"
"Yup."
"Don't they know these people don't know where their family is?"
"Yup."
"Well, if worse comes to worse, we'll just take her to another center."
"It isn't the only one closing."
"........"
P.S.: My first diary. Please be gentle. Thank you.
