AsterickHome

AsterickBack

Protection and Independence Team

(PI Team)
This team focuses on preventing abuse and neglect of people with disabilities residing in facilities and assisting individuals with disabilities who choose to move from institutions to their own homes in the community; and on preventing unnecessary institutionalization of people with disabilities who are currently living in the community.
bullet PI Team's Vision:

People with disabilities who are in confinement will receive quality services including treatment and habilitation, personal safety and liberty, basic life necessities, and integration opportunities. These services will be individualized and productive recognizing the dignity and autonomy of each person.

No one will have to live in an institution due to the lack of appropriate supports and services in the community.

bullet PI Team's current priorities include:

PRIORITY 1: People with disabilities will receive the services and supports they need to live in the homes of their choice.
PRIORITY 2: People with disabilities will be protected from abuse and neglect.
PRIORITY 3:People with disabilities who are in the custody of the South Carolina Department of Corrections will receive legally adequate care, including adequate mental health care.
PRIORITY 4: P&A will consider individual case representation issues that are legally compelling and are not identified under other priorities.

*Case Selection criteria must be met in order for P&A to consider case representation (see below). Click here to view current 2009-2010 priorities in detail.

bullet PI Case Selection Criteria:

While presentation of a priority issue will be a major factor considered in deciding to accept a particular case, other factors will also be considered:

  • Legal merit and likelihood of success;
  • Attractiveness to private attorneys or others who might provide representation;
  • Whether the fact situation offers an opportunity to use media to educate the general public and people with disabilities about disability rights and what can be done when rights are violated;
  • Whether the client is willing to have the case used to educate and wants to be a part of this process; and
  • Whether P&A has the resources necessary to provide high quality representation.
bullet Team Advocacy Project:

The Protection and Independence Team also houses the Team Advocacy Project.

In 1985 the South Carolina General Assembly, under Section 43-33-350 (4), authorized the Team Advocacy Project, a program within Protection and Advocacy for People with Disabilities, Inc., to conduct "unannounced visits to review the living conditions of a residential facility, including the plans of care for individuals in a residential care facility and a community mental health center day program."

Over the past 19 years, Protection and Advocacy for People with Disabilities, Inc. has seen consistent problems with safety, quality of life, and community inclusion/integration. Using a survey tool during inspection, Protection and Advocacy for People with Disabilities, Inc. assesses residents’ freedom of movement within the community; opportunities for community interaction inside and outside the facility; homelike atmosphere; medication distribution accuracy; individualized plans of care; food quality and quantity; cleanliness; and resident health and safety issues.

If you are interested in being a volunteer for the Team Advocacy Project, click here.

 Team Advocacy Annual Report 2007-2008
Team Advocacy Annual Report 2006-2007
Team Advocacy Annual Report 2004-2005
Team Advocacy Annual Report 2003-2004
Team Advocacy Annual Report 2002-2003

bullet News