Task Force issues final report (news release)
FINAL REPORT: Missouri Mental Health Task Force (pdf)
“The charge of the Missouri Mental Health Task Force is to develop and propose long-term solutions to prevent abuse and neglect, assure thorough investigation of abuse and neglect allegations, and recommend actions to increase the safe delivery of mental health services for Missourians with disabilities.”
The Missouri Mental Health Task Force was formed at the direction of
Governor Matt Blunt to oversee a cross-agency effort to address incidents of abuse and neglect and client deaths at Department of Mental Health facilities and community-based agencies.
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The Missouri Mental Health Task Force, co-chaired by Lt. Governor Peter Kinder and Missouri Department of Mental Health Interim Director Ron Dittemore, met on July 11, 2006, at the State Capitol to discuss the current status of the state mental health system and develop long-term solutions for identified problem areas. |
The task force is made up of the departments of Mental Health (DMH), Public Safety, Health and Senior Services (DHSS), and Social Services (DSS). Lt. Governor Peter Kinder and Ron Dittemore, interim director for the Department of Mental Health, serve as co-chairs of the task force.
"I have called on state agencies to work together under the leadership and guidance of our lieutenant governor and interim Mental Health director to ensure that no instances of potential abuse or neglect in public and private facilities are overlooked," Governor Blunt said in announcing the task force. "My goal is to ensure that client safety is protected and that timely and adequate investigations are done in every instance in which a death occurs at one of these facilities."
On June 16, the task force announced five short-term action items to improve investigations of abuse, neglect, and deaths at state-operated mental health facilities and community-based contract agencies.
