In 1994, the settlement of Coffelt v. DDS required California's Department of Developmental Services (DDS) to reduce the population of its Developmental Centers (state institutions for persons with developmental disabilities) by 2000 persons by June 1998. As part of the settlement, the Department also agreed to an ongoing longitudinal study of a sample of persons affected by the settlement. In 1997, the Department contracted with Berkeley Policy Associates and its two partners, Allen, Shea & Associates and RKM Associates, to conduct a study of the Coffelt consumers who are not included in the longitudinal study.

During this study, BPA conducted in-person interviews with 1000 persons with developmental disabilities living throughout the state of California. The interview explored quality of community placement, services, supports, independence, productivity, integration, opportunity for choice, behavioral supports, general health and safety, psychotropic medication use, quality of home and work settings, quality and availability of crisis services, involvement with the criminal justice system, day activities, and changes in placements since leaving the developmental center. In addition, the Schalock/Keith Quality of Life Questionnaire was administered to all respondents. When consumers could not answer for themselves, two persons who know them best were be interviewed.

BPA also conducted a mail survey of family members of the consumers in the sample. This survey addressed family satisfaction with community placements and services provided, including case management services. Family and consumer data were linked for the analysis. A Final Report presented the findings of both surveys to DDS.