Editor’s Note—Kari Bruffett, KDADS secretary, addressed Rep. John Barker and the Legislative Post Audit (LPA) committee’s review of the Sexual Predator Treatment Program April 28, 2015 in Topeka.

By KARI BRUFFETT
KDADS secretary

In summary, the Kansas Department for Aging and Disability Services (KDADS) disputes the following issues. I will explain each of these areas.
• ISSUE—The LPA’s assertion that residents are not given assessments. Residents are assessed immediately before and upon entry to the program and are periodically reassessed thereafter.
• RESPONSE—Kansas’ treatment model includes regular assessments.
Each assessment takes into account the presence of factors that could affect the treatment of the resident. This quarter, as a result of the Post-Task Force work, additional assessment and objective measurement tools are being incorporated into the Comprehensive Integrated Treatment Plans. I’d be happy to go into further detail during questions, but we are now using a statistically-derived dynamic measure designed to aid clinicians in assessing risk, treatment and supervision needs. This new tool will assist treatment staff in identifying specific, objective, measurable goals for each resident.
• ISSUE—The LPA’s finding that the program lacks individualized treatment. While the residents progress through predefined phases, each resident is provided individual treatment for their specific mental abnormality or disorder through individualized treatment plans and therapeutic assignments.
• RESPONSE—Individual treatment is a key component of Kansas’ program.
While residents progress through predefined phases, each is provided individual treatment. SPTP clinical staff prepare a comprehensive integrated treatment plan for each every resident. The treatment plan is developed based on the resident’s individual mental abnormality or personality disorder and any behavioral or treatment concerns regarding the resident. In addition, residents complete a number of therapeutic tasks, including journaling and a relapse prevention plan, which are specific to their individual treatment needs.
• ISSUE—The LPA’s assertions that the annual review process fails to meet statutory criteria. An annual examination is performed by clinical staff on each resident to determine whether the resident continues to meet the criteria for commitment in accordance with statutory requirements.
• RESPONSE—Individual treatment is a key component of Kansas’ program.
While residents progress through predefined phases, each is provided individual treatment. SPTP clinical staff prepare a comprehensive integrated treatment plan for each every resident. The treatment plan is developed based on the resident’s individual mental abnormality or personality disorder and any behavioral or treatment concerns regarding the resident. In addition, residents complete a number of therapeutic tasks, including journaling and a relapse prevention plan, which are specific to their individual treatment needs.
• ISSUE—The LPA’s assertion that SPTP is not abiding by recommended practices for treatment of residents with intellectual or developmental disabilities (I/DD). The treatment provided is comparable to many other states’ programs, which also modify the pace of treatment.
• RESPONSE—Kansas’ program identifies and modifies treatment for individuals with disabilities.
As noted previously, I/DD is factored into the development of an individual’s treatment plan. SPTP offers a slower paced treatment option, called the parallel program, for I/DD individuals. Nearly all of the residents in the parallel program are housed on the same unit to aid in treatment and to provide additional protection for these residents. While KDADS is not necessarily opposed to making LPA-recommended changes, the report acknowledges that other state programs offer similar treatment and in order to separately house these residents, a new facility would have to be built in a different community and additional staff would need to be hired and specifically trained.
• ISSUE—The LPA’s assertion that greater emphasis is placed on non-clinical requirements to advance in the program. While the program utilizes psycho educational courses along with activity therapy, these are components of the overall comprehensive treatment process.
• RESPONSE—SPTP emphasizes both clinical and non-clinical requirements for program progression.
Psycho-educational courses, such as anger management, relationship skills, relapse prevention, budgeting, stress management, and strategies for motivation, along with activity therapy sessions are key components of the treatment process. They assist residents in accumulating and maintaining social skills that are necessary for successful community reintegration. Residents are also provided individual and group therapy sessions.
• ISSUE—The LPA’s finding that the educational and rehabilitative services the program currently offers may not be statutorily adequate. While the program does not object to providing GED courses or substance abuse rehabilitation within available funds, Kansas statutes do not specifically require these services.
• RESPONSE—Residents have opportunities through SPTP to develop skills necessary for reintegration.
The current SPTP curriculum is designed to provide residents with the necessary skills and resources to successfully progress to the reintegration facility. Last month, the Post-Task Force Internal Committee identified additional curriculum enhancements. New courses will be offered to increase the residents’ readiness to eventually transition back into the community. By June 30, 2015, we will reassess and make programming modifications as needed regarding work and life related skills.