Commissioner of Mental Retardation (CGS § 17a-210)

The commissioner administers the Department of Mental Retardation, including the operation of the state training school, mental retardation regions, and state-operated residential facilities. He plans, develops, and implements programs and services for people with mental retardation; investigates allegations of abuse against such people; develops eligibility criteria for their placement in public or private residential care; and contracts with private agencies to provide services.

Questions

1. How many people are currently on DMR's waiting list for residential services? How many are in the emergency category? Have these numbers changed substantially in the past four years? What approaches are you using to reduce the waiting list? Is there any conflict between approaches that are the most beneficial for consumers and those most cost-effective for the state?

2. DMR just began a pilot program to provide services to adults with autism but not mental retardation. What is the status of that program? Is this a population that needs state services and, if so, what kind of services does it need. Is yours the best state agency to provide services to this population? If not, which agency is?

3. After a summer of study, DMR is proposing that the legislature change the name to the Department of Developmental Services. Does this change imply a broadening of services or of the population served? Are there services you think the department should provide but does not?

4. Current educational best practice is to include students with mental retardation, regardless of their grade level ability, in classrooms with students their own ages. Does DMR have any role in helping school districts train regular classroom teachers in inclusion methods? Does it help parents advocate for their children in the school system? Does inclusion pose any drawbacks for children with mental retardation?

5. Does DMR or its private providers have any problems in finding sites for group homes? How does DMR work with communities in the siting process? Can the legislature do anything to make siting easier?

6. DMR case managers have complained about the paperwork requirements they must meet, claiming it detracts from the service they can provide consumers. Describe the relationship between DMR management and its caseworkers and with other unionized employees.

7. What changes would you like to make in DMR operations over the next four years?

SS: ts