Department Responsible For Intellectually Disabled Tennesseans Flubbed Background Checks

The state's Department of Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities failed to perform background checks on all of its employees and volunteers, and it didn't adequately safeguard the money and possessions of people in its care, according to a new audit by the state comptroller’s office.

A check of agency records going back to 2013 found several instances of background checks occurring after employees had started work — and in some cases, not at all. Auditors could not identify anyone who slipped through that was unsuitable, they said, but they warned that even one failure could have serious ramifications.

Auditors also found that records tracking the possessions of people in DIDD's care were easily manipulated, allowing one case of theft. They told DIDD to tighten up recordkeeping — even for inexpensive items that might have sentimental value for DIDD clients.

Altogether, the unusually lengthy audit runs to more than 200 pages, detailing ways in which DIDD could improve care for some of Tennessee’s most vulnerable citizens. It was the agency's first audit in four years.

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