by Mindy Aguon

Guam - The federal management team informed the court today that there are still four individuals who are being treated for their mental illnesses in Texas. It costs the government between $22,000 and $25,000 a month per individual.

Dr. James Kiffer indicated that the Department of the Interior had agreed to provide $500,000 to bring the clients back to Guam and provide a home on island where they could receive the care they need. Kiffer said the cost to treat them here at home would be around $5,000 per client. He stressed that DOI wanted assurances from the District Court that it supports such a home for these individuals.

Kiffer added that he intends to send 5-6 staff to Texas to be trained by Rescare staff for several weeks and bring the four clients back to Guam where they will be cared for by the department in a residential home.