February 27, 2013
We examined facilities that the Department of Human Services (DHS) operates for individuals with mental illness, developmental disabilities, or chemical dependency. We recommend that the department continue to provide certain direct services to clients, but with a clearer mission and more effective resolution of ongoing management problems. Some facilities have had significant difficulty finding placements for individuals ready to be discharged, and DHS should develop or foster additional placement options. In addition, we recommend modification of civil commitment laws to ensure periodic judicial review of persons committed as mentally ill and dangerous or as developmentally disabled.
