New York Group Home Workers Regularly Stole From Resident Cash Accounts

Workers at New York State group homes for people with developmental disabilities stole cash from the residents’ personal allowance accounts regularly, according to an investigation by the state’s inspector general. Theft was “widespread and prolific.” The New York State Office for People With Developmental Disabilities (OPWDD) failed to adequately review and audit the residents’ personal allowance accounts, and as a result often failed to identify thefts or deviations from required practice.

The findings were reported in “Investigation of Personal Allowance Accounts Maintained by the New York State Office for People With Developmental Disabilities” by the New York State Office . . .