Disability Rights Ohio issues investigative report on Rose Mary Center

March 11, 2014 / ICFs

Disability Rights Ohio has issued a report on its investigation of Rose Mary Center, a 42-bed facility in Cuyahoga County for children and adolescents with developmental disabilities operated by Catholic Charities Diocese of Cleveland.

The investigation found that the facility is poorly maintained, has a strong bad odor, and some bathrooms were missing basic items like toilet paper and soap. There is minimal programming, supervision, and engagement of the youth by staff. Equipment in the facility, including toys and books, is in disrepair and not readily accessible to the youth. There are numerous incident reports that allege physical or verbal abuse by staff.

Disability Rights Ohio is calling on the Ohio Department of Developmental Disabilities and the Ohio Department of Health to conduct rigorous inspections of the facility and to impose sanctions, which could include decertification or revocation of the facility’s license. DRO also requests that the facility more thoroughly document injuries to youth, and for the Cuyahoga County Board of Developmental Disabilities and the Ohio Department of Developmental Disabilities to more rigorously review allegations of abuse and neglect. Staff and the facility need to be held accountable for injuries, and charges should be pursued when criminal abuse or neglect occurs.

Most importantly, facilities like Rose Mary Center are not appropriate homes, especially for children and adolescents. Disability Rights Ohio has requested that the Ohio Department of Developmental Disabilities assess the needs of the current residents and determine what services they would need to live in their own homes and communities.

Read the report: Rose Mary Center Report (PDF)