Hamilton County Board of MRDD Performance Audit

The Hamilton County Board of Mental Retardation and Developmental Disabilities (HCMRDD) engaged the Auditor of States Office (AOS) in October 2002 to conduct a performance audit of its technology operations. HCMRDD has expressed an interest in reviewing its technology practices and future capacity needs with a focus on improving agency effectiveness through enhanced technical capabilities. This performance audit provides an independent assessment of HCMRDD's technology operations and service levels and provides recommendations for improving service delivery and tracking through increased and enhanced use of technical resources.

The State of Ohio created county boards of mental retardation in 1967 through the passage of Senate Bill (SB) 169. In 1980, SB 160 expanded the scope of service of the county boards and added "developmental disabilities" to their title and responsibilities. HCMRDD provides services to approximately 10,000 individuals (and their families) living within Hamilton County. Since 1974, when Hamilton County voters passed the first Mental Retardation Services Levy, the number of individuals served has increased more than 1000 percent. HCMRDD currently provides services in the following areas:

Early Intervention Services identifies and provides service to infants and toddlers who are 0-2 years and may be at risk or delayed in development.

Early Childhood Services provides individualized services for children ages 3-5 and their parents.

School Age Services are designed for clients ages 6-22 who receive instruction in functional academics, vocational skills and practical skills for living in communities. Occupational, physical and speech therapy services are also provided.

Adult Services provides support to individuals 16 years of age and older through work training and experience at HCMRDDs adult centers.

Residential Services provide high quality residential options to individuals of all ages with mental retardation and other developmental disabilities.