Audit Reveals Troubling Lax Abuse Investigations and Flawed Practices at South Carolina Disabilities Department
South Carolina’s Department of Disabilities and Special Needs is facing criticism after an audit revealed concerning findings about its abuse investigations and hiring practices. The legislative review, conducted by the state’s Legislative Audit Council, found that the department rehired staff who had previously been fired for abuse and neglect violations. It also found that the department failed to report abuse complaints in a timely manner and neglected to review video surveillance in most complaint investigations.
The audit, released on October 23, comes on the heels of another examination that criticized the commission overseeing the department for questionable spending practices and violations of the Freedom of Information Act. Anybody who works within the system knows that DDSN has been struggling on some issues, said Anna Marie Conner, an attorney for Disability Rights South Carolina.
The department has stated that it fully cooperated with the auditors and is in the process of reviewing the report. Derrek Asberry, a department spokesman, acknowledged that there are opportunities for improvement and expressed the department’s commitment to serving individuals with disabilities in the best and most efficient way possible.
The audit’s findings are likely to amplify calls for a reorganization of the state’s mental health agencies or at least for placing the department under the direct authority of the governor. Governor Henry McMaster expressed concern about the audit’s results and acknowledged that South Carolina is likely the most disorganized state regarding government mental health supports. His administration is awaiting the results of a study to improve the state’s mental health resources.
One of the notable findings of the audit is the lax hiring process at the department, which could potentially compromise the safety of clients. The auditors discovered cases in which staff members who had been fired for abuse, neglect, or exploitation violations were rehired by the department or its service providers. They also found that in many cases, the required background checks were not documented or were incomplete. Additionally, in some instances, terminations were classified as being for personal reasons instead of misconduct.
Regarding abuse complaint investigations, the audit criticized the department for delays and lack of thoroughness. Staff members are required to report complaints within 24 hours, but in a significant number of sampled investigations, it took more than two days for staff to make a report. In one case, an incident wasn’t reported for 82 days. The auditors also found that video surveillance, which often plays a crucial role in abuse investigations, was poorly maintained and not utilized in 70% of the cases sampled.
The audit’s findings highlight the need for improvements within the department and the urgency of addressing the shortcomings. While the department has reinforced its instructions to employees and invested in new cameras, there is still work to be done to ensure the safety and well-being of individuals with disabilities.
Overall, this audit underscores the challenges faced by South Carolina’s Department of Disabilities and Special Needs and raises concerns about the agency’s ability to effectively fulfill its mission. The findings demand immediate attention and action to rectify the issues identified and to provide a better environment and care for individuals with disabilities.
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