DDS director reports regional transfer of public group homes, new medical unit in Norwalk and upcoming RFP for 10 CLAs

Department of Developmental Services Director Shannon briefed the Regional Advisory Council on several operational and staffing matters affecting the West Region.

Shannon said central office will circulate a weekly legislative bill list to RAC members summarizing bills of interest to DDS and linking to more information. She said public programs are being reintegrated into the regional structure: for the West Region that means Lower Fairfield Center in Norwalk and Northwest Center in Torrington will come under the West Region; the region currently has one public group home in Watertown.

Shannon described a new medical unit at Lower Fairfield Center in Norwalk. She said the renovated unit has 12 beds (two short‑term respite beds and the remainder for permanent placements) and includes nursing and therapy supports intended for people with more intensive medical needs, including injectable insulin and respiratory care. She said the unit currently houses about four people while staffing and placements continue.

On procurement, Shannon said the agency has approval and is preparing an RFP for 10 CLAs: nine homes to support individuals with behavioral challenges and one centrally located home to support people requiring tracheotomy care and deep suctioning. She said there will be three CLAs per region and that the West Region is coordinating the procurement process. Shannon emphasized the size of the RFP and the state will watch provider interest given private‑sector staffing challenges.

Shannon also reported a slowdown in filling positions across state agencies tied to personnel service account limits. The agency is prioritizing seasonal and certain direct‑care hires and said some positions remain difficult to fill, including direct support, nursing and respiratory therapists. She said central office is managing critical‑position fills but that agencies statewide are seeing reduced posting and hiring activity.

Council members raised operational concerns: members described ongoing issues with GTI, the fiscal intermediary responsible for payroll and payments for certain consumer‑directed services. Shannon said the agency has been in routine contact with GTI and central office and that the volume and type of issues have lessened at times but continue to require follow up.

On federal funding, several members discussed potential federal policy changes such as block grants or caps on Medicaid and the possible state implications. Shannon said the agency is monitoring federal developments but described the current posture as “business as usual until we hear otherwise.”

Why it matters: the operational changes and large RFP will affect availability and placement options for people with higher medical or behavioral needs and depend on provider response and the state’s ability to hire and retain staff.

Next steps: Shannon said the weekly bill list will be distributed to RAC members and that staff will proceed with the RFP once OPM and funding approvals are finalized.