Isles’ learning
disabilities goal
closer now, health
officials say
They seek $62 million to provide
By Mike Yuen
more services as the number of
children with disabilities grows
Star-BulletinTop state health officials today said they have a better working relationship with the Department of Education in implementing a federal order to provide services to children with educational disabilities, now that Herman Aizawa is no longer schools superintendent.
Health Deputy Director Paula Yoshioka told the Senate's money panel that Paul LeMahieu, who became public schools chief 4-1/2 months ago, has been much more collaborative than Aizawa.
Aizawa could not be immediately reached for comment.
Incoming Health Director Bruce Anderson said he senses a more upbeat attitude among officials dealing with the Felix consent decree. "I see the light at the end of the tunnel."
Anderson's department is requesting $62 million for the fiscal biennium that begins July 1 for more Felix-related services.
That includes $58.9 million for the Child and Adolescent Division for more positions, outpatient services, residential beds for juvenile sex offenders, group homes and therapeutic foster care and other services -- all to address the rising number of youths needing mental health services.
Another $3.1 million for "early intervention" is being sought to aid children ages 3 and younger identified as "individuals with disabilities."
The Health and Education departments are required under the federal consent decree to establish a system of care for children with educational disabilities by June 20, 2000.
That class of children now totals 8,200, Anderson said, a significant rise since June 1995, when it totaled 1,500.
Anderson said complying with the Felix decree has consumed much of the department's time. "I would like to see that put behind us as soon as possible," he added.
