More uncertainty for developmentally disabled clients thanks to Community
Living B.C. cuts

VANCOUVER, Sept. 15 /CNW/ - The BCGEU has learned Prima Enterprises Ltd. will be shutting down its Lower Mainland operations due to funding cuts by Community Living British Columbia (CLBC). Long term group home residents and adults with complex support needs will be impacted.

"The community living sector is in crisis," said Darryl Walker, president of the B.C. Government and Service Employees' Union.  "We're seeing these cuts, closures, and service disruptions across the province. These changes are distressing for the clients and their family members. Vulnerable people are being put at risk."

The BCGEU is aware of at least eight recent group home closures, including homes on Vancouver Island, in the Fraser Valley, in the Interior and in the North.  The union has also heard about staffing reductions at some group homes, and service agencies have advised that an additional ten (or more) group home closures may be coming soon, including many in the Lower Mainland.

"This is completely cost-driven," said Walker. "Provincial government funding for CLBC has flat-lined, and CLBC is trying to reduce a $22-million deficit by requiring agencies to reduce and redesign services to cut costs."

The BCGEU has learned CLBC has cut Prima Enterprises' Vancouver Coastal budget roughly in half.  As a result, the agency can no longer afford to run its three group homes and community inclusion programs in North Vancouver and Coquitlam.  At least one of the North Vancouver homes, currently occupied by three high-needs, long-term residents, may close.  The operation of the Coquitlam home will go to a different agency.

Some group home residents may be relocated into home sharing placements, where they will share a home with an individual care provider.

"Home sharing works for some adults with development disabilities, but it may not be suitable for individuals with higher and more complex support needs," said Walker.  "And as a community living residential service delivery model, home sharing is largely unregulated and untested."

A 2008 UBC study of home sharing in B.C. found an urgent need for clear outcome measures and information on service quality. It also reported a number of serious concerns with the home sharing model, mostly related to the safety and well being of individuals in placements. 

The BCGEU will continue to monitor developments and speak out against cuts in the community living sector.

For further information:

To arrange an interview or for more information, please call BCGEU Communications at 604-291-9611 ext. 454.