Previously when providers had their annual review, DADS also audited a small sample of the group homes and foster care homes.  Starting this year DADS is auditing 100% of the residential sites.  They look at the environments to ensure they are appropriate, in good repair, safe, functional to meet special needs, etc.  They also look at staff training, medication storage and administration and other issues of client care.  They use a standard checklist for all reviews.  If a home receives a score of 90% or better the provider does not have to provide any evidence of correction of issues (if any) identified.  

This is an ongoing process but I wanted to share some preliminary results.  We have had reviews of six group homes.   100% were above 90% and required no evidence of corrections.  The state average at this point indicates that only 82.1% of the group homes were at 90% or above.  We have had reviews of 35 of our foster care homes. Only one home fell below 90%.  It was at 89.7%.  97.1% of our homes were above 90%.  The statewide average indicates that only 80.6% of the foster care homes were at 90% or better.  

Such great results really show the excellent work that our residential and foster care staff and managers are doing to ensure our clients receive the best.  "We are very proud of our staff and the superior services they provide to our clients," commented Jeff Enzinna, Director of Developmental Disabilities Services.