Washington to Consolidate Services and Downsize Fircrest School

February 23, 2004 Washington to Consolidate Services and Downsize Fircrest School In adopting the state's 2003-20005 Washington State budget, the state legislature has directed the Department of Social and Health Services (DSHS) to consolidate vacancies within the state's five residential habilitation centers during 2004 in order to downsize the Fircrest School. Under the legislative mandate, Fircrest must close a total of four cottages and decrease its population by approximately 60 clients. A "Preliminary Transition Plan" for the downsizing of Fircrest was submitted to the Washington legislature by DSHS on January 23, 2004, and can be read in . . .