Frequently Asked Questions

Q. How many people currently live at the Developmental Center?

A. The Developmental Center population ranges from 140 to 160 people. The state-operated residential, vocational, clinical, and healthcare services of the Center are available to North Dakota citizens who have developmental disabilities and who are referred by staff at one of the eight regional Human Service Centers. When appropriate alternatives are available in a person's preferred community, community supports are offered.

Q. What kinds of clinical needs do the people residing at the Developmental Center have?

A. People admitted to the Developmental Center have developmental disabilities as well as medical and mental health issues. Mental health diagnoses include the full diagnostic range from personality and conduct disorders to phobias, anxiety disorders, various mood disorders, and psychotic conditions. Medical issues include scoliosis, hiatal hernia, subperiostial hemorrhage, osteoporosis, epilepsy, neurofibromatosis, tuberous sclerosis, severe hydrocephaly and hydranencephaly, Turner's syndrome, phenylketoneuria, cerebellar, atrophy, Rett syndrome, Feuerstein-Mims syndrome, autism, spina bifida, and Down's syndrome.

Q. How can people access services at the Developmental Center?

A. Staffs at the eight Regional Human Service Centers in North Dakota handle referrals for admission to the Developmental Center. The Department of Human Services strives to provide services in the least restrictive and appropriate setting and works to link individuals with disabilities to community-based services, programs, and supports prior to considering institutional options.

Q. How many people are admitted to the Developmental Center each year?

A. Depending upon the year and the needs, between 12 and 24 people are admitted and a similar number are discharged from the Developmental Center on an annual basis. Many people use the Center's respite services for medical recuperation following surgeries or to make adaptive equipment adjustments. A few people are admitted briefly for evaluations. Others are admitted when no other providers are available to meet their unique needs. These individuals are discharged when appropriate services and supports can be arranged to help them achieve stable lifestyles and exercise further choices in other settings.

In recognition of the United States Supreme Court's decision in Olmstead vs. L.C., the North Dakota Department of Human Services and the Developmental Center have developed and use a Residential Decision Profile, which bases the continued stay at the Developmental Center on the decision of the individual (and surrogate legal decision-maker where applicable) and staff members at the Developmental Center and the regional human service centers who are responsible for the individual's services. People residing at the Center do so under a voluntary status in all but a few circumstances, which include annual judicial reviews of any guardian's decision.

 

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