Supporting People to Live an Everyday Life in the Community

Created under the Pennsylvania Mental Health and Mental Retardation Act of 1966, Mental Retardation Services (MRS) plans, administers, monitors, and coordinates services for over 12,000 Philadelphia citizens with mental retardation. Its mission is to create, promote, and enhance the supports and services available to individuals with mental retardation. Services will foster choices, meaningful personal relationships, community participation, and dignity and respect as valued citizens.

MRS achieves this mission by partnering with 70 care agencies to provide a broad range of supports and services including: 

• Supports Coordination (formerly known as Case Management)
• Early Intervention Services (birth to 3 years of age)
• In-home Supports and Respite Services
• Employment and Adult Day Services
• Community Living and Lifesharing Services

Serving both adults and children, MRS provides a wide range of vital services that assist people with mental retardation. These activities include:

• Determining eligibility for individuals seeking services through the mental retardation system
• Administering services and support for children and families using early intervention programs
• At-home services, including respite care, therapies, and social and recreational services
• Supporting people to live in supervised community homes and lifesharing arrangements
• Employment and day services
• Monitoring to ensure a focus on service outcomes, quality management, and accountability
• Collaborating with the education, health, and child welfare system to serve children from birth to 21 years

MRS Departments:

• Administration and Operations
• Administrative Budget and Waiver Management
• Early Intervention and Children’s Services
• Community Living
• Employment and Day Services
• Registration and Individual Supports
• Supports Coordination
• Quality and Risk Management