From the Houston Chronicle, Associated Press:

Texas Governor Rick Perry signed legislation on Thursday to revamp the state’s troubled institutions for people with intellectual disabilities. The state schools have been cited by federal authorities for the widespread abuse and neglect of residents, and more than 50 preventable deaths.

Lawmakers proposed the $48 million bill as part of a $112 million settlement with the U.S. Justice Department to add new protections for residents, including:

• Video surveillance in common areas
• Enhanced criminal background checks, random drug testing and more on-the-job training for employees
• State investigations of abuse and neglect complaints involving residents living in privately run facilities

In addition to the funding for the residential facilities, Texas also plans to spend $418 million in the next two years to create community living options and give about 8,000 people with disabilities access to those services.

Critics are wary of continuing to invest in the residential care facilities without benchmarks or standards.

See earlier posts here and here.

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