BOLINGBROOK – The state will work to find new homes for residents at a central Illinois institution for the developmentally disabled after a state panel agreed Tuesday to close it for good, part of Gov. Pat Quinn’s sweeping plan to change the way such residents are cared for and to save tens of millions of dollars a year.

The Illinois Health Facilities and Services Review Board voted, 6-1, to allow the Department of Human Services close the Jacksonville Developmental Center, which has provided a home for developmentally disabled adults for more than 100 years. Most will be moved into small group homes or apartments, which many advocates say allows them to live more productive and satisfying lives.

The closure had been set for today, but it was delayed until Nov. 21.