Investing in RHCs
Stop facility closures and preserve vital care for vulnerable Washingtonians.
The threat to Residential Habilitation Centers (RHCs) is ongoing. Both Rainier and Yakima Valley School are on a trajectory to close over time. We also expect the introduction of bills to close more of these facilities this session. We need to continue to fight for state-provided services for the most vulnerable.
Washington's Residential Habilitation Centers (RHCs) provide specialized care and support for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities whose needs cannot always be met in other settings. Facilities including Yakima Valley School, Rainier School, Fircrest School and Lakeland Village offer medical care, behavioral supports, therapies, skilled nursing, and around-the-clock assistance for residents with some of the most complex needs in the state.
WFSE has long advocated for preserving RHCs because they are a vital part of Washington's continuum of care. Families, guardians, and disability advocates consistently emphasize that these facilities provide services that cannot simply be replicated elsewhere. For many residents, RHCs offer stability, long-term relationships with caregivers, and a quality of life tailored to their individual needs.
The debate over RHCs is not simply about buildings or budgets. It is about ensuring that people with significant developmental disabilities continue to have access to the level of care and support they need.
As our members frequently explain, the people who live in these facilities are not simply receiving services. They are living in their homes and communities.
RHCs provide a safety net for Washington's entire developmental disabilities system, providing specialized placements and expertise when community providers are unable to meet an individual's needs. Preserving these facilities means preserving choice for families and ensuring Washington maintains a full range of options for people with developmental disabilities rather than forcing everyone into a one-size-fits-all system.
Investing in Residential Habilitation Centers means protecting vulnerable residents, supporting families, preserving specialized care, and ensuring Washington continues to provide services for those with the most significant support needs.
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