Release Date: Apr 23, 2007
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Summary:
County and City Officials and Law Enforcement Agencies to Endorse Special Procedures Protecting Individuals with Disabilities

Dayton, OH (April 19, 2007)-The Montgomery County Board of Mental Retardation and Developmental Disabilities will host the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding on Tuesday, April 24, 2007 at 12 p.m., on the 11th floor of the Montgomery County Administration Building.
The Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) represents a commitment to protect and acknowledge people with disabilities needs for special procedures.  The memorandum establishes procedures for protection, aid, treatment, proper reporting and follow up in cases of abuse, neglect or victimization.  Disclosure of information to protect confidentiality for these individuals is covered and accommodations with regard to criminal investigations are outlined.  Additionally, guidelines are provided in cases of patient endangerment and procedures are provided to be followed in the handling of any and all deaths of people with disabilities.
The signing of this Memorandum of Understanding is one of many positive steps toward formally recognizing that persons with disabilities require careful handling based on individual needs.  One specific procedure included in the memorandum provides that the Montgomery County Board of MR/DD will intervene upon reports of injustice against those with disabilities.  The MOU also stipulates detailed procedures such as the elimination of all unnecessary interviews and trauma associated with treatment of a person with mental retardation or developmental disabilities in criminal investigations and actions resulting from them.
County and city officials, scheduled to sign the MOU to indicate their support and commitment, will include the County Commissioners, City of Dayton Mayor, Montgomery County Prosecutor, Montgomery County Probate Court Judge, Montgomery County Sheriff the Montgomery County Coroner and the Superintendent of the Montgomery County Board of MR/DD. The MOU will also be signed by 28 area police departments in Montgomery County, as well as the City of Dayton Attorney's Office and the ODMR/DD, Montgomery Developmental Center.
The Montgomery County Board of Mental Retardation and Developmental Disabilities serves children and adults with mental retardation and other significant developmental disabilities, most of whom require comprehensive life-long services. The Board provides supports for individuals to live, learn, work and participate in their community.  The Board also provides supports for families in their efforts to care for their family members with a disability.  This program is one of the many programs funded by your human service levy to protect children, seniors and families.