COMMONWEALTH of VIRGINIA

DEBRA FERGUSON, Ph.D.

COMMISSIONER


DEPARTMENT OF
BEHAVIORAL HEALTH AND DEVELOPMENTAL SERVICES
Post Office Box 1797
Richmond, Virginia 23218-1797
Telephone (804) 786-3921
Fax (804) 371-6638
www.dbhds.virginia.gov
July 1, 2014

Dear NVTC Staff:

As you know, the Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Services (DBHDS) has been
implementing a plan developed pursuant to Virginia Code 37.2-319 to move the Commonwealth toward
its long-standing goal of a more fully-integrated community-based system of services and supports for
individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. This plan currently requires transitioning
residents of the Northern Virginia Training Center (NVTC) to the community and closing the training
center in March of 2015. After recent discussions with DBHDS staff, NVTC parents, area community
services boards (CSBs) and providers, and using the experience we have gained with the closure of
Southside Virginia Training Center, we have determined that additional time is necessary to develop a
more comprehensive array of community options and to strengthen the Developmental Disability Health
Support Network in the northern Virginia region in order to ensure successful transitions for NVTC's
residents. Therefore, the DBHDS has revised the closure date to March of 2016.

During this expanded period of time prior to the closure of NVTC, DBHDS hopes to continue to work
closely with NVTC parents (and authorized representatives), CSBs, and providers to identify and develop
community service options to which residents will choose to transition. In order to fund the development
of additional community resources and infrastructure, I have signed the Declaration of Surplus Property for
the NVTC property. The Department of General Services/Division of Real Estate Services may now offer
it for sale. The proceeds from this sale will aid in the further development of housing and support options in
the northern Virginia area.
DBHDS remains committed to developing a rich array of integrated, community-based housing and service
options for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Our aim is to have a collaborative,
inclusive process that addresses existing concerns and results in the development of community options
that meet individualized needs. We look forward to working with parents, members of the General
Assembly, CSBs, community providers and other stakeholders to maximize opportunities for
individualized, integrated plans for community living.

Sincerely,

Debra Ferguson, Ph.D.
Commissioner