ARRM News: October 15, 2008

ARRM's Letter to the Editor Regarding METO

Editorial Department
Star Tribune
425 Portland Avenue
Minneapolis, MN  55488

September 18, 2008

Dear Editor:

As the association that represents 150 private providers that support people with developmental disabilities – including crisis programs similar to METO at the state’s facility in Cambridge – ARRM finds the use of restraints like handcuffs as described in your Sept. 18 article to be appalling and unconscionable.

In the article state officials cited budget cuts and inadequate training as reasons for the abuse at Cambridge.

The truth of the matter is that similar programs in the private sector have far less funding than state programs like METO, but we would never, ever tolerate such abuse.  If such abuse did occur, staff would be dismissed.  And if the practice was sanctioned by the provider, they would lose their license and be out of business.

Despite payment rates that have not kept up with inflation for the past 10 years, private providers must and do assure that adequate training is provided.  And, at the same time, our caregivers average pay is only 71% of what their counterparts receive in state operated services.

Sincerely,
Bruce Nelson, CEO
ARRM