HomeMy WebLinkAboutResolution 1804.~, '3
A Resolution ~~o~t~~ ~es~~u~~~~r ~~. ~~-
URGING THE TEXAS MENTAL HEALTH AND DENTAL RETARDATION1
FACILITY REVIEW TASK FORCE TO RECOMMEND THAT THE
FORT WORTH STATE SCHOOL REMAIN OPEN
WHEREAS, The Texas Mental Health and Mental Retardation Facility
Review Task Force was created by the Texas Legislature and appointed
by the Governor to study the Texas Department of Mental Health and
Mental Retardation facilities for the purpose of making
recommendations to the Governor regarding whether there should be
closure or consolidation of state facilities; and
WHEREAS, The Task Force is currently visiting all state schools
in Texas and will issue its final report which is due to the
Governor by March 31, 1992; and
WHEREAS, A recent court settlement in the case of Lelsz vs
Kavanagh calls for the closure of two state mental health facilities;
Fort Worth State School is being considered as are the other state
schools; and
WHEREAS, The Fort Worth State School , as one of the I3 schools in
Texas, serves the Fort Worth - Dallas region and provides essential
services to an area with a population of over 2 million residents and
was established and created through the efforts of the community and
the. generosity of the Amon G. Carter and the Sid Richardson
foundations; and
WHEREAS, The economic impact of the closure of the Fort Worth
State School would be difficult for the community given that this
area has already suffered more than 20,000 job layoffs during the
last two years; and
WHEREAS, The closure of the Fort Worth State School would be
emotionally difficult for the residents who would be transferred to
other facilities in Texas or into community homes, and for the
families of the residents and the 1200 employees whose lives would be
severely impacted by the closure of the facility; and
WHEREAS, The community believes it would be a mistake to
recommend closure of the Fart Worth State School as it is considered.
"the best in the country" with regards to its vocational programs;
the school has tl2e largest community services operation in the state
school system, and is one of 5 state schools in Texas to achieve
the highest accreditation standards as required by the Accreditation
Council on Services for People with Developmental Disabilities
(ACDD); and
C1TY OF FO~tT NORTS ~~
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WHEREAS, More than 700 residents in other Texas MHMR .facilities
have family ties to the Fort Worth-Dallas area and these residents
could transition and easily be absorbed into the Fort Worth State
School where they will be closer to home;
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the Fort worth City Council
that the City Council:
Urges the Texas Mental Health and Mental Retardation Facility Review
Task Force to recognize the value of the Fort Worth State School in
providing services for those individuals that do not qualify for
community based programs; and
Urges the Task Force to recognize the value of the rr^ort Worth State
School in its role as a transitional institution with its diverse
programs and community support services for those individuals that
qualify for community based placement: and
Urges the Task Force to recommend that the Fort Worth State School
remain open.
Adopted this LZ~~ day of February, 1992 by the City Council of the
City of Fort Worth, Texas
Mayor Kay Granger
Attest:
City Secretary
APPROVED ~~
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City Seczetaay of the
City of cor! tilosth, T.a~saR
CZt! OF F08? wOR?!t