The Philadelphia Mental Retardation Services office provides services and supports for 11,668 individuals with mental retardation. The total annual expenditures (city, state and federal dollars) was $211 million in Fiscal Year 2000. Activities include:

• Collaborating with the education, health, and child welfare systems to serve children from birth to 21 years with disabilities through early intervention services and supports in and out of the home.
• Working in partnership with 2,063 families to support individuals at home through use of community resources, cash grants, service coordination, respite care, therapies, social and recreational services and parent training and support.
• Providing services and supports to people living and working in the community.
• Coordinating services for 524 individuals living in the community who are Pennhurst class members.
• Confronting the challenge of meeting the needs of 2,194 individuals who are on waiting lists for residential and day services and supportive employment.

Mission Statement

The Mission of Mental Retardation Services is to create, promote and enhance the supports and services available to individual with mental retardation.

Individuals will have access to quality supports and services that foster:

• choices in their everyday lives
• meaningful personal relationships with friends, family, neighbors
• presence and participation in their communities
• dignity and respect as valued citizens of Philadelphia.