Disabled Persons Protection Commission

This is a 2015 Massachusetts State Auditor performance audit of the Disabled Persons Protection Commission, covering July 1, 2012 through June 30, 2014.

“This report details the audit objectives, scope, methodology, findings, and recommendations for the audit period, July 1, 2012 through June 30, 2014.”

The auditor reviewed whether DPPC handled abuse investigations on time and followed the laws, rules, and regulations that apply to its work.

“We reviewed these activities to evaluate DPPC’s ability to perform its investigative functions in a timely manner and in compliance with applicable laws, rules, and regulations.”

DPPC deals with abuse reports involving adults with disabilities, so late or poorly documented investigations can affect whether people are protected quickly.

“Delayed investigations could prevent DPPC from promptly implementing remedial action plans to protect abuse victims, and the lack of documented reasons may prevent it from demonstrating its attempts at compliance and from identifying recurring causes for delays.”

For an ordinary Massachusetts resident, this report shows whether a state agency that protects adults with disabilities is responding properly when abuse is reported.

“To carry out its mission of protecting adults with disabilities from abuse and neglect, DPPC performs its own investigations and also oversees and directs investigations conducted on its behalf by the Department of Developmental Services (DDS), the Department of Mental Health (DMH), and the Massachusetts Rehabilitation Commission (MRC).”

The audit found two main problems: DPPC did not keep signed proof that alleged abusers were told their rights, and investigations were often late without enough explanation in the files.

“DPPC does not always meet its required deadlines to complete investigations, and when an investigation is late, the agency does not always document the reasons for the delay.”

The auditor recommended that DPPC improve its policies, keep signed rights forms, document reasons for late investigations, and work with partner agencies to meet deadlines.

“DPPC should establish and implement the necessary policies, procedures, and related internal controls to ensure that when required filing deadlines are not met, evidence of the reasons for the delay is documented and retained in case files.”

The issue is significant because abuse reports increased while staffing stayed about the same, making timely investigations harder but still important.

“The number of alleged abuse calls received by the agency hotline intake staff has increased 31% since fiscal year 2010, while staffing levels have been static.”

“Initial Response” means the early report after an abuse complaint, and “Investigation Report” means the fuller report that should follow within the required deadline for non-emergency cases.

“Each report is composed of two distinct parts: the Initial Response and the Investigation Report.”