Changes are coming to Texas institutions for people with disabilities less than a week after police disclosed an investigation into an alleged “fight club” at one facility. But even as arrests are made in the case and security is heightened at the state’s institutions, lawmakers say that changes are coming too late.

Officials with the Texas Department of Aging and Disability Services, which oversees the facilities, say they are installing surveillance cameras and adding security guards, among other staffing and physical changes meant to ensure the safety of residents.

But state legislators criticized the agency for waiting until now to take such actions. At least one legislator requested surveillance cameras in 2007 and hearings were held that same year about problems at the Corpus Christi State School in Corpus Christi, Texas, reports the Austin American-Statesman. To read more click here.

On Monday police disclosed an investigation into “fight club” style brawls among residents at the Corpus Christi State School. Cell phone videos of the incidents dating back to 2007 show residents punching, wrestling and kicking each other while caretakers looked on, police said.

Since the investigation was made public this week, admission to the state school has been halted and six current and former employees were charged with felonies in connection with the incidents.

Meanwhile an advocacy group says that employees at two other Texas institutions have also encouraged fighting among residents, reports the Dallas Morning News. To read more click here.

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Previous stories on this topic:

Alleged ‘Fight Club’ Uncovered At Texas Institution (March 10, 2009)

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