Rosewood Center facing U.S. civil rights investigation

Probe comes despite plans to close facility

Sun exclusive

Some disability advocacy groups rejoiced when informed of plans to close Rosewood, but the families of some residents protested, saying that their loved ones had been treated well.

Elsie Platner, 82, of Severna Park said yesterday that she was pleased with the care her daughter received at Rosewood. Although her daughter was occasionally bitten or punched by other residents, the staff did the best they could, she said.

Platner said that in May she moved her daughter, now 49, to a home run by Catholic Charities in Timonium only because of Rosewood's pending closure.

"If it hadn't been for this, I wouldn't have moved her for anything," she said.

Chapman said that conditions at Rosewood have improved as the staff has focused on caring for residents while making other arrangements for them.

"You don't like for the Justice Department to come into a facility, but we have to demonstrate that we are doing what we need to be doing to ensure [the residents'] safety and welfare," he said.

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