It was standing room only for the hearing on HB 970, a bill that would transition people out of Rosewood and close the institution.  This is a report to those of you who were not able to listen to the amazing testimony.

Dozens of people turned out to speak.  Rosewood and Great Oaks survivors testified about life in an institution and what it means to them to be free to make their own choices.  One by one, the testimony of these individuals, family members, providers and advocates struck down every conceivable objection to closing Rosewood Center .  Speakers were passionate and knowledgeable.  Committee members listened respectfully and occasionally asked questions.

People from AFSCME, the union that represents Rosewood staff, complained that staff have little training at all, and no training for dealing with individuals referred by the court system.  They said Rosewood is so understaffed that they have to work 16 hours/day five days a week.  But they also said Rosewood was like a “country club” for residents.  When a delegate asked former director Jim Anzalone if Rosewood is like a country club, he paused and then said the campus has rolling hills. 

A parent blamed MDLC for an incident at Rosewood where an individual harmed another person at Rosewood.  In fact, the Office of Health Care Quality found that Rosewood had neglected to implement this individual’s behavior plan.  The behavior plan included multiple safeguards that would have prevented this incident from occurring.  MDLC has been fighting to ensure that all individuals at Rosewood have appropriate treatment plans that provide safe and effective services without unnecessarily restrict individual rights.  The parent who made the false accusation is on Rosewood’s Human Rights Committee.

The advocates for closure dominated the hearing, which was truly inspiring.  The committee members should remember it for a long time.