SD7 - Educational Programming in Mental Health/Retardation Facilities

  • Published: 1986
  • Author: Department of Mental Health and Mental Retardation
  • Enabling Authority: Senate Joint Resolution 148 (Regular Session, 1985)

Executive Summary:
As requested in Senate Joint Resolution 148, the Department of Mental Health and Mental Retardation has completed the following studies in cooperation with other agencies:

1. A Study of the Housing of Young Adults in State Mental Health Facilities. The purpose of the study was to determine if it is appropriate to house young adults (age 18-22) with older patients within the child-adolescent units in the large State mental health facilities. The Department conducted an Assessment and Analysis of Factors Which Distinguish Young Adult Residents from Older Adult Residents in those state psychiatric facilities. This analysis supported the conclusions that young adults and older adult populations have different patient behavior characteristics. However, these characteristics are but one factor to be considered in placement of young adults. Other factors such as specialized needs or level of treatment (i.e., acute, intermediate, or long term) are also to be considered in the placement decision.

The Study supports the present policy of the Department which is that patient placement within the facility is the responsibility of the facility director based on the overall treatment needs of the client. The responsibility of providing educational services is shared by the hospital director and the director of special education within that facility. Generally, it is agreed that separate housing of all young adults based on educational needs does not seem appropriate since a relatively small number of adults participate in educational programs.

2. A Study of the Cost to School Divisions Educating Facility Children in the Least Restrictive Environment. The purpose of this study was to determine the actual cost to school divisions educating children who are residing in State mental health and mental retardation facilities and have been identified as appropriate for educational placement in the public schools. The Department conducted an analysis of the data reported by local school divisions to the Department of Education as estimated expenditures for special education programs. Data from the Department of Mental Health and Mental Retardation represented actual costs of least restrictive environment payments to local school for FY 1984-85. (1) The results of the analysis show that the costs and payments to local school divisions to educate Department of Mental Health and Mental Retardation students in the least restrictive environment are reasonably comparable throughout the State. (2) The five school divisions should send in annual financial reports to the Department of Education and the Department of Mental Health and Mental Retardation to reflect actual education costs. (3) Periodic audits should be conducted by both Departments to verify Least Restrictive Environment costs and their comparability to the contract negotiated rates.

3. A Study of the Education Environments in State Facilities Used for School-Age Residents. This study reviewed the physical space requirement needs in order to provide adequate education programs in the State mental health facilities housing child and adolescent units. The conclusion is that there presently are adequate funds to complete the necessary renovations at Central State Hospital, DeJarnette Center and Central Virginia Training Center. With the completion of these projects, educational programs will operate with adequate space free of safety hazards and physical barriers.