In 1974, the families of residents of Texas state schools for the mentally disabled filed a lawsuit against what was then known as the Texas Department of Mental Health-Mental Retardation over poor conditions at the schools.
Eventually the class action lawsuit represented 2,000 of the 7,000 residents in state schools, and required 17 years of internal reforms and legislative fixes before it was finally resolved.
In 2004, the newly created Texas Department of Aging and Disability Services assumed operation of the state schools.
Four years later, DADS was once again under scrutiny for deplorable conditions and poor treatment in the schools.
First, a Department of Justice investigation uncovered widespread abuses and lapses in care that violated the residents' constitutional and statutory rights.
Then videos emerged of fights between residents organized by staff at the Corpus Christi State School.
Now Gov. Rick Perry has signed into law a measure that will once again overhaul the state schools.
The legislation adds 1,160 new positions, tougher background checks on employees, more monitors and video surveillance in common areas at the 13 facilities in the system.
Perhaps the most important component in the new reforms is the creation of an Office of Independent Ombudsman to respond to resident complaints and investigate reports of abuse or neglect.
An ombudsman with real authority is the best internal guarantee that substandard practices don't return.
Ultimately, however, elected officials are responsible for the state schools.
The governor and lawmakers must make sure that a system that is supposed to care for the state's vulnerable, disabled citizens doesn't once again end up failing them.
It shouldn't require a class action lawsuit or a federal government inquiry to guarantee decent care in the state school system.
