Hatchett Calls for Improvements in See the audit report for: Full Details |
Edward B. Hatchett, Jr. |
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(Frankfort - May 21, 2002)
State Auditor Ed Hatchett announced today that a performance audit of Kentucky's community-based services for the mentally retarded and developmentally disabled (MR/DD) has raised serious questions about the failure to report abuse, the quality of care provided, and the number of persons served.
91% of Reports of Abuse Are Not Referred to Law Enforcement The audit examined 210 incidents of alleged abuse, neglect, or exploitation and found that Kentucky's Cabinet for Families and Children (CFC) had reported only 19 to law enforcement. In addition, none of these cases were reported to the Attorney General's Office in spite of a contractual agreement obligating the Cabinet to refer all cases "which exhibit substantial potential for criminal prosecution…" The audit also revealed that SCL providers as well as the Cabinet for Health Services have frequently failed to inform the Cabinet for Families and Children of incidents of neglect and abuse. The audit also found that although Kentucky spends twice as much per person as the average southern state for its Support for Community Living Program, it serves only one-fourth as many people. As of September 25, 2001 there were 1,725 citizens seeking SCL waiver services, more than the 1,547 then in the program. Nor has this significant investment guaranteed quality care. The audit found that between 1997 and 2001 there were 12 deaths, 37 cases of sexual abuse, and 196 cases of physical and other abuse. This constituted one incident of abuse or neglect for every five people in the program. During the audit period CHS investigated 54% of the SCL providers for serious quality of care deficiencies. "The Commonwealth often fails to meet its moral and legal obligation to its MR/DD population, said Hatchett. "Our report offers many recommendations for expanding and improving services." |
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