Conditions in Facilities Team

Conditions in Facilities Team (CF Team)

This team focuses on preventing abuse and neglect of people with disabilities residing in facilities.

CF Team's Vision.

People with disabilities who are in confinement will receive quality services including treatment and habilitation, personal safety and liberty, basic life necessities, and integration opportunities. These services will be individualized and productive recognizing the dignity and autonomy of each person.

CF Team works with individuals who reside in facilities.

CF defines facilities as Department of Mental Health (DMH) hospitals, private hospitals, regional Department of Disabilities & Special Needs (DDSN) centers, community residential care facilities, nursing facilities, group homes licensed by Department of Social Services (DSS), prisons, jails, detention centers, residential treatment facilities, juvenile justice facilities, Intermediate Care Facilities for people with Mental Retardation, and Community Training Homes.

CF Team's current priorities include:

People with disabilities who reside in facilities will be protected from abuse and neglect.*

People with disabilities who reside in SCDC (SC Department of Corrections) will receive legally adequate care, including adequate mental health care.
*Case Selection criteria must be met in order for P&A to consider case representation. Click here to view current 2007-2008 priorities.

Team Advocacy Project:

The Conditions in Facilities Team also houses the Team Advocacy Project.

In 1985 the South Carolina General Assembly, under Section 43-33-350 (4), authorized the Team Advocacy Project, a program within Protection and Advocacy for People with Disabilities, Inc., to conduct "unannounced visits to review the living conditions of a residential facility, including the plans of care for individuals in a residential care facility and a community mental health center day program."

Over the past 19 years, Protection and Advocacy for People with Disabilities, Inc. has seen consistent problems with safety, quality of life, and community inclusion/integration. Using a survey tool during inspection, Protection and Advocacy for People with Disabilities, Inc. assesses residents’ freedom of movement within the community; opportunities for community interaction inside and outside the facility; homelike atmosphere; medication distribution accuracy; individualized plans of care; food quality and quantity; cleanliness; and resident health and safety issues.

If you are interested in being a volunteer for the Team Advocacy Project, click here.

Team Advocacy Annual Report 2004-2005 in PDF

Team Advocacy Annual Report 2003-2004 in PDF

Team Advocacy Annual Report 2002-2003

News

October 28th, 2005: REPORT RELEASED: Unequal Justice for South Carolinians with Disabilities: Abuse and Neglect Investigations

Click below to link to several documents in PDF format relating to this press release:

Press Release
Unequal Justice Cover Letter
Unequal Justice Report

June 20, 2005: Class action lawsuit filed in behalf of prisoners with mental illnesses.
Click below to link to several documents in PDF format relating to this press release:

Press Release
Fact Sheet
Complaint

Resource Links

South Carolina Department of Mental Health clinics' patient advocates

South Carolina Department of Disabilities and Special Needs

Fact Sheets

Mental Health Treatment Review In the Community

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