Progressive Community Services soon will provide case management coordination services for developmentally disabled individuals in Northwest Missouri. The move comes from the Department of Mental Health’s efforts to move control of case management services from its offices to local Senate Bill 40 boards.

Buchanan County residents with developmental disabilities currently receive case management services through the Albany, Mo., Regional Office.

Lynn Wells, Progressive Community Services executive coordinator, said her office is working with the Albany Regional Office to make the transition as smooth as possible.

The transition means better service for clients, she said.

“They get more attention since their coordinator will know them better,” she said. “Another advantage is local control ... it’s not this question of what’s going on in Jeff City. Obviously, we abide by state regulations, but we do what makes sense for people in Buchanan County.”

Ms. Wells wanted to make clear that moving case management services to the county boards will not affect individual services. There will not be layoffs. In fact, the transition will allow for lower caseloads and more individualized attention. Caseloads have increased to 68 per case manager, she said.

“We can hire people as needed to keep these caseloads at 40; that would be our maximum. Our goal is probably less than that,” Ms. Wells said.

Progressive Community Services recently hired more case management staff, including five service coordinators to take on the increased load.

Carmen Cotton was recently hired as the service coordinator manager. She brings with her 13 years of experience working with the Department of Mental Health through the Albany Regional Office.

Mrs. Cotton also said the move will be beneficial for clients. And more service coordinators will add a more individualized approach. Larger caseloads often don’t allow service coordinators to spend as much time as they like with clients.

“It’s really hard to stay focused,” Mrs. Cotton said. “With smaller caseloads, service coordinators can stick with families and help them follow up on their goals.”

Ms. Wells said Progressive Community Services also plans to hire more service coordinators in the future. Currently, they employ about eight service coordinators. Both Progressive Community Services and Albany Regional serve more than 500 persons with developmental disabilities in Northwest Missouri.

“This is a huge undertaking for us. It’s like starting a new business,” Ms. Wells said.

Alonzo Weston can be reached

at alonzow@npgco.com.