Mental Health and Mental Retardation, Department of
A Review of Management Controls at the Texas Department of Mental Health and Mental Retardation
Report Number 96-001
During our review of ten Department facilities, it was noted that Community Services divisions operate somewhat independently of established processes and control structures. As a result, basic fiscal controls within some Community Services programs have suffered. This is important as the Department has moved more resources toward community services.
During the closure of Fort Worth and Travis State Schools, the Department has focused mainly on management controls over client services and human resources. However, there has been inadequate attention given to controls over fiscal assets, including client trust funds, medical records, furniture and equipment, and stock inventory. Weak controls increase the risk of loss or theft of such assets, which were valued in excess of $7.8 million at the time the Department was directed to implement the closures.
Recommendations made by the State Auditor s Office in 1991 to improve management controls and processes have only been partially addressed. During our current review of the operations at Central Office and ten Department facilities, it was noted that numerous management controls still need strengthening.
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