Press conference to take place Friday, September 18 concurrent with a public hearing on DCF's "certificate of need" filed to shut off treatment and educational services at the residential facility

HARTFORD – Members of District 1199/SEIU and CSEA/SEIU Local 2001 will hold a press conference on Friday, September 18th at 12:00 PM in the Legislative Office Building in Hartford. Speakers will include Representative Toni Walker (D-New Haven), Chair of the Human Services Committee, Representative Peter Villano (D-Hamden), teachers, social workers, clinicians and medical support staff from the High Meadows treatment facility, which is targeted by Governor M. Jodi Rell and the Department of Children and Families (DCF) for closure.

DCF has requested the Office of Health Care Access (OHCA) expedite the Governor's proposal to terminate care at the residential center, despite the legislature funding its services in the new 2010 - 11 biennial budget package passed earlier this month. Legislators have questioned the legality of the Governor's actions, in part because High Meadows is the state's only facility that treats boys with psychological and physical issues with on-site, round-the-clock medical care.

"Closing High Meadows means shutting off a life line for these kids," said Kathy Fenton, a special education teacher at High Meadows. "This facility is fully funded in the budget the Governor allowed to become law. Why is she trying so hard to close it?"

OCHA will hear comments from lawmakers, agency officials, and facility staff during cross-examination on the merits of the proposal to close the facility beginning at 9:00 AM on Friday morning. Advocates, parents, and former clients will also speak during the public comment portion of the hearing and share their concerns about the impact of the proposed closure.

WHAT: Press Conference on OHCA's "certificate of need" hearing to close High Meadows.

WHO: Facility staff and state lawmakers.

WHERE: Legislative Office Building, in a room to be determined, 300 Capitol Ave, Hartford, CT.

WHEN: 12:00 PM -- Friday, September 18, 2009.

District 1199/SEIU and CSEA/SEIU Local 2001 represent the healthcare, social, and education workforce at the Connecticut Department of Children and Families' High Meadows facility, and have advocated for keeping it open since the Governor proposed closing it.