Abuse & Neglect
Freedom from abuse and neglect is a fundamental right. One of the primary purposes of IPAS is to work towards the elimination of abuse and neglect of individuals with disabilities.
Following are proposed objectives that IPAS staff will work towards completion to reduce abuse and neglect of individuals with disabilities:
Allegations are reviewed or ongoing investigations monitored to ensure that the allegation is reported to the responsible entities and those necessary actions are taken to protect the health, safety and welfare of individuals with disabilities.
Review allegations of abuse and neglect on behalf of individuals with disabilities, including developmental disabilities, mental illness, or traumatic brain injuries, residing in:
· Intermediate Care Facilities (ICF-MR),
· Indiana Department of Mental Health and Addictions operated mental health facilities,
· Comprehensive Mental Health Centers, and
· Facilities funded by the Division of Children’s Services.
Or those individuals that are
· Receiving Medicaid waiver services, or
· Individuals incarcerated in the Indiana Department of Correction prisons, county jails or juvenile detention facilities.
Represent individuals in their appeal of reduced Developmental Disability or Aged and Disabled waiver services when the alleged reduction in services will have a serious and negative impact on the health and safety of the individual, or when the reduction of services places the individual at risk of being placed in a more restrictive setting.
Review complaints on behalf of individuals with traumatic brain injury and take appropriate action to assure that state supported residential services (TBI waiver) that are provided through the Division of Disability, Aging, and Rehabilitation Services are provided in the least restrictive environment.
Investigate allegations of inappropriate use of seclusion/restraints on behalf of individuals residing in a treatment facility.
Review selected incidents of serious occurrences e.g. physical injury, of individuals residing in facilities designated as a psychiatric residential treatment facility (PRTF).
Represent individuals with a mental illness residing in the community and/or treatment facility to ensure that their complaints about medication or treatment are communicated to and fully addressed by the appropriate entity.
Monitor internal grievance complaints of individuals residing in state operated facilities to ensure that complaints are addressed according to written policy and procedure.
Monitor selected death investigations to document that an investigation was initiated and completed by the responsible state entity including individuals who resided in Indiana Department of Mental Health and Addictions operated mental health facilities.
Advocate for the adoption and implementation of rules by the Department of Education and/or each individual school system concerning the application and staff training regarding minimal standards that guide the use of restraint and/or seclusion.
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