Audit of State Centers Spurs Calls for More Oversight

The California State Auditor issued a report earlier this month that concluded poor-quality investigations, outdated policies, leadership and staffing problems, and untimely licensing reviews at the State's four remaining developmental centers put residents at risk.

see:
Abuses not properly investigated,
in The Porterville Recorder
Audit finds California developmental centers botched abuse investigations,
in The San Luis Obispo Tribune
California State Auditor report, issued July 9, 2013

In response to the audit and other reports of lapses in care in recent months, advocates called on Gov. Jerry Brown this week to appoint an independent figure to improve safety at state-run care facilities. (see: More oversight sought at developmental centers, in the San Jose Mercury News) Those advocates ultimately want closure of all state-run centers.

California Health and Human Services Secretary Diana Dooley created a task force last month to determine how best to meet the needs of developmental center residents. PHA President Kathleen Miller is a member of the task force, which is expected to release a report in November.

In response to the article in the Mercury News, PHA member and past President Mary O'Riordan commented,

"The Governor needs to appoint an independent, non-biased, consultant to evaluate the entire system, not just the developmental centers. As unfortunate as it is that bad things happen from time to time in a developmental center and even if the reporting is sometimes not timely, at least it does get reported and fixed. Contrast that with private homes where there is no oversight, no quality assurance, no regulations or stringent licensing requirements, and you are putting frail, vulnerable, helpless people at greater risk of abuse and neglect. Reference the Dr. David Strauss Reports from the aftermath of the Coffelt settlement when the state hastily removed thousands of people from the developmental Centers and the mortality rate was as much as 80% higher in some instances. Please, Governor Brown fix what needs fixing and don't listen to the cries for closure of these centers by people who need to fill beds in the private homes and have a lot to gain from the closure of these centers now and in the future. They are looking at several contracts if these centers close. Listen to the families who know that in spite of these unfortunate instances, the everyday care at these centers is still excellent."