"It should be a sobering reminder to us that, when the pioneers in our field     undertook this task, despite the greatest good will and thoughtful deliberation they led to the development of modern institutional settings. In offering enormous benefits, their work led to the loss of everything important to their beneficiaries." ~ Burton Blatt
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What we know

A state institution is a long-term care, congregate facility for individuals who have an intellectual disability. At least 10 states have closed their Institutions while Texas has more Institutions than any other state.

Texas Institutions

There are 13 large State Institutions in Texas. These facilities, previously known as State Schools are now called State Supported Living Centers (SSLC). We believe this name is misleading. The Department of Justice, Office of Civil Rights Department found serious deficiencies at multiple facilities, a long history of abuse, neglect, and exploitation and failure to serve Facility residents in the most integrated setting appropriate to their individual needs. To view the reports:

• In June 2009 the Department of Justice entered a Settelement Agreement and continues to monitor the Facilities for numerous violations. For more infomation visit our DOJ - Monitoring Reports page. 

Office of Inspector General Texas Health and Human Services Commisson 
    
    •  Annual Status Report - SSLC FY 2010
    •  Annual Status Report - SSLC FY 2011 

March 2012 - Amid ongoing problems, The Austin State Supported Living Center halts admissions, changes directors and is downsizing the resident population.

 -  March 2012 - AMERICAN STATESMAN article 
 -  March 2012 - Your News Network article

• 5% Intermittent Care
• 39% Limited Care
• 35% Extensive Care
• 19% Pervasive Care
• Less than 1% Pervasive + Care

                                                      • Information obtained from the DADS Report -Update for State Supported Living Centers 

Costs

Services provided in Texas Institutions cost tax-payers twice as much money per person compared to community-based services.

Estimated monthly cost for care at a SSLC:

2011 - $13,149.85 / 2012 - $13,886.91 / 2013 - $14,662.52

Estimated cost for community-based services provided through Texas Medicaid Waiver programs is $55,000 or less per year. 

                         • Information obtained from the Legislative Appropriations Request

Budgeted daily rates for small and large, state-operated ICF/MRs operated by DADS to be effective September 1, 2011.

Small State-Operated ICF/MR Facilities
Proposed interim daily rate:  $595.20

Large State-Operated ICF/MR Facilities – Medicaid Only clients
Proposed interim daily rate:  $582.57

Large State-Operated ICF/MR Facilities – Dual-eligible Medicaid/Medicare clients
Proposed interim daily rate:  $562.13