June 24, 2020 -- We are making plans to begin slowly increasing services the week of July 6 for both our Cathedral Oaks day program and SlingShot art studio. While we cannot resume any on-campus programming without approval from the state and regional center, we will be looking to implement community-based services beginning and ending at homes as early as the first full week of July. This style of service delivery will become a regular part of Alpha day services for the foreseeable future and is in line with state requirements that go into effect in 2022. (Due to the nature of services provided at SlingShot, studio-based services will not resume until on-campus programming is approved. Limited at-home support will continue in the meantime. )
We are finalizing safety procedures for both programs, but they will include PPE for all staff and for participants based on their level of tolerance, pod-based activities with the same staff and participants together each day, regular screening of both staff and participants for COVID-19 symptoms, and increased cleaning schedules of facilities, supplies, and vehicles among other precautionary measures.
Regarding guidance from the state toward reopening, Tri-Counties Regional Center has provided the following information:
The Department of Developmental Services (DDS) is in the process of facilitating discussions with self-advocates, family members, service providers and Regional Centers about the best ways to resume in-person services, group services and site based programs. Based on the input gathered, DDS plans on issuing guidance and procedures for California’s Developmental Services to safely operate and for self-advocates and families to make informed decisions about how and when to re-enter services during the COVID-19 pandemic.
We are excited to resume services in the weeks ahead. However, with the recent increase in COVID-19 cases and hospitalization in Santa Barbara County and the State of California, it is clear this will be a slow process that will likely include a few steps forward and a step or two back as we find a balance between safety and service delivery.
More information will be available here as it becomes available.
CHILDREN, FAMILY, AND ADVOCACY SERVICES
Our Children and Family Services team are available to support families during this time. For contact information, CLICK HERE.
For additional resources on our Padlet page, CLICK HERE.
For more information regarding our thrift stores, CLICK HERE.
