Suzanne Cihler

The council discussed its purpose and guiding principles, with a significant focus on strengthening adult abuse reporting and response systems through cross-agency collaboration and systems alignment. Key topics included addressing gaps in reporting paths, improving inter-agency communication, and better integrating services for older adults and individuals with disabilities. The meeting also covered updates on the Master Plan for Aging, the older adult behavioral health project, long-term care ombudsman initiatives, and recommendations for the California Health and Human Services Agency.

The meeting included introductions and welcome remarks for new committee members, Stephanie, Jerry, Janine, and Kathleen, noting their diverse professional backgrounds and personal inspirations for joining. The committee also addressed virtual meeting operations, accessibility options, and emergency evacuation procedures for in-person attendees. Key updates were provided by the Director of the California Department of Aging regarding the release of the fifth annual report on the Master Plan for Aging, ongoing budget considerations following the Governor's proposed budget, and upcoming funding opportunities, including Proposition One (Behavioral Health Services Act) funds and a statewide prevention strategies funding opportunity from the Department of Public Health. The committee also approved the minutes from the November meeting and heard initial presentations on advances in Alzheimer's research focusing on risk reduction.

The meeting focused on introductory remarks, logistics for virtual participation including ASL interpretation and closed captioning, and procedures for public comment. Key discussion points centered on the purpose of DACLAC, which is to advise the California Health and Human Services Agency and other state entities on community living policies concerning long-term services and supports, transportation, housing, and employment. The committee welcomed 27 new members and acknowledged the work of the lived experience advisory board (ADLE), which provides insights based on personal experiences regarding access, transportation costs, housing stability, and the fragmentation of services. The discussion emphasized that access requires stamina and that systems design and equity are critical components of service delivery.

The meeting focused on housekeeping rules, noting that the meeting was being recorded and that closed captioning and ASL interpretation were available, though the latter experienced initial technical difficulties. A significant portion of the meeting involved roll call and introductions of committee members representing Independent Living Centers, Area Agency on Aging representatives, lived experience representatives, and executive members from various California departments and organizations (C4A, Calvette, CCOA, CDA, CFILC, DDS, DHCS, DoR, SILC). Key discussion topics included a report from the California Department of Aging (CDA) concerning the Governor's budget, which included funding for High-Cap Modernization ($5 million for expanding counselors and training resources for Medicare beneficiaries) and the implementation of AB 11476 to promote to-go meals at meal sites. The CDA also provided updates on the CA 2030 initiative, focusing on refining PSA/AAA designations, establishing statewide core programs (caregiving information assistance, nutrition) via new data dashboards, and finalizing the intrastate funding formula allocations. Finally, updates were given on developing a new statewide public-facing website, scheduled for launch on May 1st, focusing on plain language and accessibility for aging, disability, and caregiver programs.

The meeting included welcoming remarks and introductions. General housekeeping items were reviewed, such as the meeting being recorded and posted on the CDA ADRC website and YouTube page. Accessibility options like closed captioning and ASL interpreters were mentioned. Attendees were asked to remain muted unless speaking, and instructions were provided for raising hands via Zoom or phone. A public comment period was scheduled for non-committee members. Updates from the California Department of Aging (CDA) were provided, focusing on modernization efforts to address the increasing population of older adults.