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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE October 27, 2005 Report Reveals Inadequate Investigation Process for Abused and Neglected South Carolinians with Disabilities Media Contact: Gloria Prevost (803) 217-6713 prevost@protectionandadvocacy-sc.org COLUMBIA, S.C. — A breakdown in investigating widespread incidents of sexual and physical abuse and neglect among South Carolinians with disabilities under the care of state-funded agencies was revealed in a report made public today. A major problem identified by the report is that agencies investigate themselves, with little external oversight. The major agency reviewed uses its own standards rather than following the state’s comprehensive Omnibus Adult Protection Act, which was designed to protect people with isabilities. The report is based on a two-year research project conducted by Protection and Advocacy for People with Disabilities, Inc. (P&A). Executive Director Gloria M. Prevost said, “This is not a trivial issue: the report includes one homicide, two deaths from choking, physical injuries with excruciating pain, and other shocking examples of abuse and neglect.” While the focus of this report is primarily on those adults served by the South Carolina Department of Disabilities and Special Needs, it is important to note that similar problems exist with the investigation of abuse and neglect of children and adults with mental illness. J. David Almeida, the Executive Director of National Alliance for the Mentally Ill-South Carolina said, “This is a disturbing report that we will review very, very carefully. There appear to be many similarities in the way investigations are conducted within the mental health system. What’s troubling is that these similarities might be producing similar results.” The Report entitled Unequal Justice for South Carolinians with Disabilities: Abuse and Neglect Investigations noted the current process “is a fragmented collection of agencies lacking the expertise to properly investigate allegations of abuse, neglect, and exploitation of vulnerable adults. It is a collective failure that needs to become a system.” Findings indicate that many incidents of abuse and neglect are not reported, fewer are properly investigated, rarely are offenders held accountable, and those who should protect people with disabilities often fail to do so. Jeffrey Moore, the Executive Director of the South Carolina Sheriffs’ Association said, “It was very disturbing to read this report. It brings to the forefront a basic problem that we have known factually and anecdotally: crimes involving the abuse and neglect of the disabled too often go unreported to the proper law enforcement authorities. Thus, they go unchallenged within the proper venue-the courts where, like any other crime against a person, justice can be had. It’s time South Carolina acknowledged the failings of our current system regarding the investigation of crimes against the disabled, and fund a specific investigative unit within SLED to be called upon to perform and account for these investigations. After all, we’re all equal in the eyes of the law, and the disabled deserve nothing less.” Prevost said, “Some of South Carolina’s most vulnerable citizens are needlessly suffering, even dying. They will continue to do so until South Carolina has the will, backed by the funds, to protect people with disabilities by demanding an effective, independent investigation system to address these often criminal activities.” P&A is the protection and advocacy system established in 1977 to protect and to advocate for the legal, civil, and human rights of South Carolinians with disabilities. Persons having knowledge of abuse and neglect of South Carolinians with mental and/or physical disabilities may contact Protection and Advocacy for People with Disabilities, Inc. at 1.866.275.7273 (toll free) or contact your local law enforcement agency. To access the press release, cover letter and full report electronically, go to http://www.protectionandadvocacy-sc.org/news.html. # # #

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