Head of agency in charge of Texas state schools plans to retire

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By JIM VERTUNO Associated Press Writer © 2009 The Associated Press
June 25, 2009, 4:39PM
AUSTIN, Texas —

The head of the Texas agency in charge of the state's troubled institutions for the mentally disabled announced Thursday she is retiring, effective Aug. 31.
Department of Aging and Disability Services Commissioner Adelaide "Addie" Horn has led the agency since February 2006.
The institutions were the target of a federal civil rights review following allegations of abuse and neglect of the mentally disabled. State lawmakers reached a five-year, $112 million settlement with the U.S. Justice Department that requires the state to improve living conditions and medical care.
State lawmakers recently passed new security measures at the 13 state supported living centers after a 2008 report outlined widespread mistreatment of residents. Dozens of people have died under questionable circumstances and hundreds of employees have been disciplined for mistreating residents.
Texas has about 4,600 residents living at the large institutions.
In a statement, Horn said, "It has been my privilege, and one that I have never taken for granted, to have served individuals who are aging and have disabilities."
Horn was director of long-term care services at the state Health and Human Services Commission before being name first deputy commissioner of DADS. She was put in charge of the agency on Feb. 1, 2006.
Health and Human Services Commissioner Albert Hawkins' praised Horn's "strong leadership on behalf of individuals who need her agency's services, no matter the setting or disability."
But some advocates for the disabled sharply criticized her tenure.
"Commissioner Horn is ultimately responsible for the operations of state institutions in Texas and has failed miserably in this regard. Her retirement ends an era of arrogance and gross negligence in the management of the safety and civil rights of our most vulnerable Texans," said Jeff Garrison-Tate of the advocacy group Community Now!, which has called for Texas to close the large institutions.
Spurred by the reports of abuse and neglect, lawmakers and Gov. Rick Perry moved to improve security and oversight at the institutions. Earlier this month, Perry signing into law a bill that requires video surveillance in common areas. It also gives new powers to the state Office of Inspector General to help local prosecutors pursue cases of abuse, neglect or exploitation. Staff would be subject to drug tests and criminal background checks.
"Commissioner Horn has been a tireless advocate for Texans with disabilities," said Sen. Jane Nelson, R-Flower Mound, chair of the Senate Health and Human Services Committee that drafted many of the changes.
"We are grateful for her service on behalf of the State of Texas and, in particular, our most vulnerable citizens," Nelson said.