Two-Thirds of NORCE and SORC Residents Have Already Moved Into the Communities Where They Work and Live

Families and Guardians of Remaining Residents Are Urged to Engage With Oklahoma DHS’ Developmental Disabilities Staff to Begin Transition into Community Homes

OKLAHOMA CITY -- The Oklahoma Department of Human Services (DHS) Developmental Disabilities Services (DDS) Director JoAnne Goin has announced that about two-thirds of the residents who once lived at the Northern Oklahoma Resource Center in Enid (NORCE) and the Southern Oklahoma Resource Center (SORC) in Pauls Valley have transitioned into the communities where they work and live.

“We still have 29 residents at NORCE and 49 living at SORC,” Goin said. “Families have indicated, for the most part, that they are happy with the new opportunities that their community services have provided. These services are provided in partnership with community service organizations and agencies that have a long track record of providing good care in community homes.”

DDS has contracts with more than 100 providers statewide, so although a handful of providers are now at capacity, there are many more to choose from. As for the remaining residents at SORC and NORCE, Goin is urging families and guardians to engage with DDS staff concerning the transition of their loved one into the community.

“We have plenty of residential service providers to offer each household and we are here to assist each family or guardian in selecting residential services,” she said. “Our mission is to ensure they are given the information and support that they need at every turn. I’m confident we can meet their needs.”

The Oklahoma Commission for Human Services mandated in 2012 that DHS close its two remaining state-run institutions and proposed closing SORC this month and NORCE in August 2015, but Goin said neither resource center will close until every resident is placed in a home in their community of choice.

“We know there are some people who oppose the closure of the resource centers and we understand that such changes are challenging,” she said. “Nevertheless, SORC and NORCE will eventually close. We are working now to ensure that each resident’s health and safety needs are met before they transition into the community.

“We ask that families and guardians work with DDS staff now and actively participate in the transition planning process for their loved ones.”

Judy Goodwin, executive director of Oklahoma Community-based Providers, said that while a handful of agencies are no longer taking SORC or NORCE residents, many others are available to select from.

“It is prudent to know the limits of the services an agency can provide and I commend those agencies that have made the decision not to compromise their quality standards,” Goodwin said. “There is a difference between capacity and capability. Having the knowledge and skills to provide high-quality supports is capability.

“Most community provider agencies have the capability to provide support, but not all have an equal capacity. There are many, many other provider agencies with both the capability and the capacity to serve individuals transitioning from SORC and NORCE.”

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