How is the Department of Mental Retardation Organized?
The Department of Mental Retardation is organized into twenty-five local service centers, which perform all client-related function and serve as the point of entry into the system. These centers plan and coordinate services for each client, utilizing a written Individual Service Plan (ISP). The principal services available are residential services, day programming and support services including transportation. Residential services may be offered in a wide variety of settings including: group homes, supervised apartments, cooperative apartments, specialized foster homes, nursing homes or state schools (which are closed to non-emergency admission). Many of the current residents of state schools are being moved to community placements. Day programming may be offered in vocational workshops, competitive work environments with extra staff support (“supported work”), or pre-vocational programs. Many pre-vocational services are provided in day rehabilitation programs, paid for through Medicai
