43
The Ohio Dept. of Development Disabilities mum on reason
Investigations are underway by state and local authorities involving people with access to developmentally disabled individuals.
Cynthia M. Renner, executive director of the Youngstown Developmental Center in Austintown, was placed on paid administrative leave Monday for an undisclosed reason by her supervisor, Brent Baer, deputy director for the Ohio Department of Developmental Disabilities.
Kerry Francis, chief public-information officer for DODD in Columbus, which oversees the YDC, would not reveal the reason, saying it is DODD’s policy not to comment on personnel matters.
In Renner’s absence, Kim Toohey, operations director, is the acting superintendent.
Renner’s gross salary for 2013 was $100,890, Francis said.
As of Monday, YDC, 4891 E. County Line Road, had 86 residents and 227 staffers.
Developmental centers are overseen by the state and reviewed annually by the Ohio Department of Health and the Ohio Department of Medicaid.
YDC’s last reviews were positive. Also, DODD conducts a licensure review and grants a one-, two- or three-year license based on the review.
YDC’s most recent review was in 2012 when it received a three-year license, the best possible, Francis said.
It is not true, said Francis, responding to an anonymous tip received by The Vindicator, that budgetary cuts are forcing clients to leave YDC and other similar facilities across the state.
She said none is being told to leave, but if one does decide to leave a developmental center, the DODD educates the individual and his or her family about the various options and what locations are available so they can select the option that best meets his or her needs.
“If an individual leaves a developmental center and moves into a community-based setting, we help them through the waiver process. If they move into a private intermediate-care facility, they don’t require a waiver,” Francis said.
Regarding staffing at YDC, she said there are no plans at this time for staff reductions.
YDC serves individuals from 14 counties, including Columbiana, Mahoning and Trumbull, with developmental disabilities in seven homes on campus.
Meanwhile, Boardman Township police are investigating a case of assault after an organization for developmentally disabled individuals reported an employee hit a resident.
Robert Wirtz, program director for Gateways for Better Living, reported to police a staff member hit a developmentally disabled resident who lives at a group facility at 4665 South Ave., according to a police report filed Wednesday.
A staff member who witnessed the incident Monday said the suspect yelled at the 62-year-old victim and hit him on the back after witnessing him conducting a sexual act. The victim fell on his knees after the staff member hit him, resulting in bruising and a scrape to his knee, the witness said.
The injuries were documented by other staff but were not provided to police as of the time of the report.
The staff member is on leave while the incident is investigated, Wirtz told police. He said he cannot comment further on the allegations.