Although the FY10-11 Budget has been signed, it includes $850 million in federal matching funds (FMAP) for Medical Assistance that needs Congressional approval. Failure of Congress to provide this funding will have significant impacts on Pennsylvania’s budget, which could include cuts to human service programs. If you want to learn more about the impact of this assistance in your community, you can visit the web site of the Pennsylvania Budget and Policy Center by clicking here

Americans with Disabilities Act 20th Anniversary

This month is the 20th Anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act. This week’s message highlights how DPW supports individuals with disabilities to live independently in the community.

Serving Individuals with Developmental Disabilities

Since 2004-05, $682 million (41% increase) was added to the community based programs for individuals with developmental disabilities resulting in a 21% increase in individuals served or 9,000 new individuals.

Over 13,000 individuals with intellectual disabilities are receiving employment related services and 6,729 of these individuals are employed.

DPW is the first in the nation to provide community based Medicaid programs for Adults with Autism. Currently, 190 individuals are being served in these programs.

Transitioning Individuals From Institutions into the Community

Pennsylvania’s Money Follows the Person Project is assisting individuals to transition from institutional settings into their home communities. Since 2008, 407 individuals have transitioned into their home communities.

Providing Supports to Individuals with Severe Mental Illness

From 20000 to 2009, DPW closed two state mental health hospitals and reduced the number of beds by 34%. The bed reduction has allowed over 1,100 individuals to live in their community.

Through supported employment programs in 34 counties, 1,752 individuals with mental illness are working competitively.

The mission of the Department of Public Welfare (DPW) is to protect and serve Pennsylvania’s most vulnerable citizens, to promote, improve and sustain the quality of family life, and to break the cycle of dependency, while managing our resources effectively and promoting respect for employees.

The focus for the DPW Budget is sustainability—preserving services for those who need them, quality and results—ensuring services improve the lives of those who receive them, and accountability— ensuring efficient use of tax dollars. For more information about the DPW budget visit www.dpw.state.pa.us.