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Closure of Jacksonville Group Home Underscores that Disabled Adults Have Legal Rights to Proper Care and Treatment

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Deplorable conditions at another Jacksonville adult group home lead to the arrest of the operator and the closure of the facility. The Florida-Times Union reports that Atakelte Admasu was charged with false imprisonment and negligence of disabled adults at the Agnes Street Home for the Elderly. Police reported that the facility had padlocks on doors and residents on mattresses with no bedding. In addition, one resident had no access to bathroom facilities.

This comes on the heels of another Jacksonville group home, shutdown earlier this year after resident Michael Rodriquez was severely injured. Instead of being taken to the hospital for treatment, Rodriquez was locked in his room for up to 14 hours. Rodriquez is almost 30 years old but has the mental capacity of a toddler. He suffered from severe road rash and a broken arm that required surgery.

Herlea’s Residential Care, where Rodriguez had resided, was closed by the state, and the owner and a caregiver were arrested. Attorney Curry Pajcic, who is representing Rodriquez, told WJXT-TV it is difficult to see the horrific treatment by these caregivers, especially in cases of the disabled who can’t care for themselves.

Below is a link to the Channel 4 story.
http://www.news4jax.com/news/mom-suing-facility-she-says-mistreated-son/29015520

According to Florida Statutes, all residents of Florida residential mental health facilities have certain rights guaranteed by Florida law, including the following:

(g) Persons with developmental disabilities shall have a right to be free from harm, including unnecessary physical, chemical, or mechanical restraint, isolation, excessive medication, abuse, or neglect.

(k) Each client shall receive prompt and appropriate medical treatment and care for physical and mental ailments and for the prevention of any illness or disability. Medical treatment shall be consistent with the accepted standards of medical practice in the community.

We need to be sure to protect the most vulnerable among us from abuse, neglect and substandard care. If you have a family member or friend who has been neglected in an adult or group home you can contact The Law Firm of Pajcic & Pajcic to discuss your legal options.