Report: Florida Agency Evades State Regulators Amid Abuse Charges

A tough read - part 1 of 2-part series. Link to part 2 at the bottom.

Three years ago, it looked like the Florida agency that oversees care for children and adults with disabilities had finally had enough: It filed a legal complaint that outlined horrific abuse at Carlton Palms, a rambling campus of group homes and classrooms near the small town of Mount Dora.

A man called “R.G.” was punched in the stomach, kicked and told “shut your [expletive] mouth,” the complaint said. “R.T.” was left with a face full of bruises after a worker hit him with a belt wrapped around his fist. A child, “D.K.,” who refused to lie face down so he could be restrained, was kicked in the face and choked until, eyes bulging, he nearly passed out.

State officials wanted to bar Carlton Palms from accepting new residents for a year.

Lawmakers Urged to Fund Developmental Disability Services in Florida

TALLAHASSEE-- .Advocates for people with developmental disabilities Tuesday called on lawmakers to take advantage of Florida's improved economic outlook, slash a waiting list for services and raise hourly wages for caregivers.

The Florida Developmental Disabilities Council and The Arc of Florida said their legislative agenda includes supporting Gov. Rick Scott's budget recommendation of $20 million to reduce a waiting list for home- and community-based services under what is known as a Medicaid "waiver."

The thousands of people on the waiting list have different levels of need, but the Agency for Persons with Disabilities has identified people to serve as quickly as possible because of critical needs.