U.S. Seeks Reforms at Center for Mentally Retarded

Federal authorities are pressing for more reforms at Agnews Development Center, to the bafflement of California officials who say changes at the state facility for the mentally retarded are on track.

The Justice Department has written Gov. Pete Wilson, saying that Agnews does not provide an environment that meets residents’ needs, fosters their growth and well-being and allows contact with mainstream society.

The letter comes two years after investigations found widespread physical and sexual abuse and neglect of patients.

The problems included the death of a patient who was stabbed by a psychiatric technician and another who died after being thrown against a wall by a staff member.

But Dennis Amundson, head of the California Department of Developmental Services, said Agnews has changed its administration and hiring policies since then. It has also added staff, increased its budget and required reporting of every unusual incident, he said.

The Justice Department would not comment on its correspondence about Agnews. But Amundson said federal officials have a legal commitment from California to double the number of people who care for residents, currently one aide to every eight residents.