Case: R. v. Pennsylvania Department of Human Services

1:17-cv-02332 | U.S. District Court for the Middle District of Pennsylvania

Filed Date: Dec. 18, 2017

Case Ongoing

Clearinghouse coding complete

Case Summary

This is a case challenging the child welfare system in Pennsylvania.  On December 18, 2017, six children with disabilities in Pennsylvania's foster care system filed a putative class action against the Pennsylvania Department of Human Services (“PDHS”) in the U.S. District Court for the Middle District of Pennsylvania. Represented by Disability Rights Pennsylvania, plaintiffs alleged that the state failed to provide children with mental health disabilities with adequate services and support in …

This is a case challenging the child welfare system in Pennsylvania. 

On December 18, 2017, six children with disabilities in Pennsylvania's foster care system filed a putative class action against the Pennsylvania Department of Human Services (“PDHS”) in the U.S. District Court for the Middle District of Pennsylvania. Represented by Disability Rights Pennsylvania, plaintiffs alleged that the state failed to provide children with mental health disabilities with adequate services and support in violation of Title XIX of the Social Security Act and the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). 

Specifically, plaintiffs that the Pennsylvania state child welfare system failed to provide appropriate services to children with mental health disabilities, and that these children were more likely to receive placements with family members or in foster care than those without. As a result, children with mental health disabilities were often sent to a facility either out-of-state or far away from their community. The plaintiffs alleged that the state could avoid discriminating against children with mental health disabilities by developing additional community-based services and investing in specialized support. 

Further, the complaint alleged that the defendants violated Title XIX of the Social Security Act, by failing to provide Early and Periodic Screening, Diagnosis and Treatment (EPSDT) services, and ensuring timely medical assistance provided under the act. Plaintiffs sought injunctive and declaratory relief. Judge John E. Jones III was assigned to the case.  

On December 22, plaintiffs filed a motion to certify the class. Two months later, on February 26, 2018, PDHS filed a motion to dismiss. 

On April 3, 2018, the court granted the plaintiff's motion for class certification, having found that the proposed class met all the requisite requirements (numerosity, typicality, adequacy, and commonality) under Fed. R. Civ. P. 23. The class was all Pennsylvania youth under the age of 21 who, now or in the future, were adjudicated dependent and had diagnosed mental health disabilities. 

On May 23, 2018, the court denied the defendants motion to dismiss. In the order, the court rejected defendants’ argument that plaintiffs’ claims were not privately enforceable, instead holding that the relevant sections of Title XIX and the ADA confer privately enforceable rights upon individuals. 

On August 2, 2021, the case was reassigned to Robert D. Mariani, when Judge Jones left the bench to serve as president at Dickinson College.

Following years of fact discovery and some initial settlement discussions, the court granted the Defendants’ unopposed motion to stay discovery on March 3, 2022. This was intended to provide the parties with the opportunity to negotiate a settlement out of court. Beginning in August 2023, the parties met consistently to negotiate terms of a settlement agreement. 

On November 7, 2023, the case was reassigned to Julia K. Munley and, on February 21, 2025, the case was referred to Magistrate Judge Phillip J. Caraballo for purposes of settlement. On May 1, 2025, upon notice to the court that the parties had reached a settlement agreement, the clerk was directed to administratively close the case. The plaintiffs filed a motion for preliminary approval of the settlement agreement and for approval of class notice on July 2, 2025, and a final motion for approval on September 19, 2025. The terms of the settlement agreement include:

  • Timely access to mental health screenings and evaluations of dependent children and youth, through written guidance for referrals for mental health screenings, amending program standards and requirements to provide mental health screenings and initiate evaluations within 7 days, and written guidance regarding funding 
  • Teaming for class members, which requires bringing together child welfare case workers, representatives from involved service systems, and involved family.  PDHS was to issue written guidance encouraging use of evidence-based teaming models for class members.  
  • Complex needs planning process, including written guidance for referrals, establishing a complex needs planning team and a financial resources team, and certain reporting requirements. 
  • Enhancing Medicaid and child welfare services to expand and improve access to services for class members, including working to secure federal funding.
  • Implementing safeguards for admitting class members age 10 and under to residential treatment facilities. 
  • Development of a uniform data system.
  • Engaging an independent consultant who will, among other duties, determine whether PDHS has achieved substantial compliance with the agreement. 
  • Regular status reports. 
  • $895,000 payment to plaintiffs' counsel for attorneys' fees, litigation expenses, and costs. 

The agreement will terminate 90 days after the consultant determines that PDHS has achieved final substantial compliance, and the court will retain jurisdiction for enforcement and interpretation of the agreement.

On October 1, 2025, after a fairness hearing, the court granted final approval of the parties' settlement agreement and award of attorneys' fees and costs.  

Summary Authors

Isabel Bysiewicz (3/23/2025)

People

For PACER's information on parties and their attorneys, see: https://www.courtlistener.com/docket/8151014/parties/r-v-pennsylvania-department-of-human-services/


Judge(s)
Attorney for Plaintiff

Burnim, Ira A (Pennsylvania)

Darr, Kelly (Pennsylvania)

Hergenreder, Jeni A (Pennsylvania)

Attorney for Defendant

Grogan, Kathleen A. (Pennsylvania)

Expert/Monitor/Master/Other

Connell, Matthew J. (Pennsylvania)

show all people

Documents in the Clearinghouse

Document
1

1:17-cv-02332

Complaint

Dec. 18, 2017

Dec. 18, 2017

Complaint
22

1:17-cv-02332

Memorandum and Order

April 3, 2018

April 3, 2018

Order/Opinion
27

1:17-cv-02332

Order

May 7, 2018

May 7, 2018

Order/Opinion
28

1:17-cv-02332

Memorandum and Order

May 23, 2018

May 23, 2018

Order/Opinion
56

1:17-cv-02332

Memorandum Order

Feb. 21, 2020

Feb. 21, 2020

Order/Opinion
66

1:17-cv-02332

Order

March 3, 2022

March 3, 2022

Order/Opinion
79

1:17-cv-02332

Order

Oct. 30, 2024

Oct. 30, 2024

Order/Opinion
83

1:17-cv-02332

Order

Feb. 21, 2025

Feb. 21, 2025

Order/Opinion
91

Unopposed Motion for Preliminary Approval

July 2, 2025

July 2, 2025

Pleading / Motion / Brief
102

1:17-cv-02332

Order

Oct. 1, 2025

Oct. 1, 2025

Order/Opinion

Docket

See docket on RECAP: https://www.courtlistener.com/docket/8151014/r-v-pennsylvania-department-of-human-services/

Last updated Nov. 10, 2025, 12:54 p.m.

ECF Number Description Date Link Date / Link
1

COMPLAINT against All Defendants ( Filing fee $400, Receipt Number 0314-4283641) filed by Theodore Smith, S. R., S. H., N. C., M. T., Chrystal Steward. (Attachments: # 1 Civil Cover Sheet)(ve) (Entered: 12/18/2017)

1 Civil Cover Sheet

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Dec. 18, 2017

Dec. 18, 2017

Clearinghouse
2

Summons Issued as to All Defendants and provided TO ATTORNEY ELECTRONICALLY VIA ECF for service on Defendant(s)in the manner prescribed by Rule 4 of the Federal Rules of Civil Procedure. (NOTICE TO ATTORNEYS RECEIVING THE SUMMONS ELECTRONICALLY: You must print the summons and the attachment when you receive it in your e-mail and serve them with the complaint on all defendants in the manner prescribed by Rule 4 of the Federal Rules of Civil Procedure). (Attachments: # 1 Summons Packet) (ve) (Entered: 12/18/2017)

Dec. 18, 2017

Dec. 18, 2017

SPECIAL ADMISSION FORM AND ECF REGISTRATION FORM mailed to Attorney Jeni Hergenreder (lg)

Dec. 19, 2017

Dec. 19, 2017

3

MOTION to Certify Class by N. C., S. H., S. R., Theodore Smith, Chrystal Steward, M. T.. (Attachments: # 1 Certificate of Concurrence)(Darr, Kelly) (Entered: 12/22/2017)

Dec. 22, 2017

Dec. 22, 2017

4

BRIEF IN SUPPORT re 3 MOTION to Certify Class filed by N. C., S. H., S. R., Theodore Smith, Chrystal Steward, M. T.. (Attachments: # 1 List of Exhibits in Support of Motion, # 2 Exhibit 1, # 3 Exhibit 2, # 4 Exhibit 3, # 5 Exhibit 4, # 6 Exhibit 5, # 7 Exhibit 6, # 8 Proposed Order)(Darr, Kelly) (Entered: 12/22/2017)

Dec. 22, 2017

Dec. 22, 2017

5

SUMMONS Returned Executed by Theodore Smith, S. R., S. H., N. C., M. T., Chrystal Steward. All Defendants. (Darr, Kelly) (Entered: 01/04/2018)

Jan. 4, 2018

Jan. 4, 2018

6

SCHEDULING ORDER: Case Management Conference set for 2/22/2018 02:00 PM before Honorable John E. Jones III. See calendar attached hereto for dates that must be utilized when a trial term is selected (eo) (Entered: 01/10/2018)

Jan. 10, 2018

Jan. 10, 2018

7

First MOTION for Extension of Time to File Brief to 4 Brief in Support, 3 MOTION to Certify Class Unopposed filed by Teresa Miller, Pennsylvania Department of Human Services.(McLees, Matthew) (Entered: 01/16/2018)

Jan. 16, 2018

Jan. 16, 2018

8

ORDER - IT IS ORDERED that the 7 Motion for Extension of Time to File Brief in Opposition to the 3 MOTION to Certify Class is GRANTED and the Brief in Opposition is due by 3/19/2018. Signed by Honorable John E. Jones, III on 1/16/18. (sc) (Entered: 01/16/2018)

Jan. 16, 2018

Jan. 16, 2018

9

First MOTION for Extension of Time to File Responsive Pleading or Other Response to Plaintiffs' Complaint Unopposed by Teresa Miller, Pennsylvania Department of Human Services.(McLees, Matthew) (Entered: 01/23/2018)

Jan. 23, 2018

Jan. 23, 2018

10

ORDER granting 9 Motion to Extend Time (eo) (Entered: 01/24/2018)

Jan. 24, 2018

Jan. 24, 2018

11

CASE MANAGEMENT PLAN (Joint) by N. C., S. H., S. R., Theodore Smith, Chrystal Steward, M. T.. (Levin, Shanon) (Entered: 02/15/2018)

Feb. 15, 2018

Feb. 15, 2018

13

ORDER #1- STANDARD CASE MANAGEMENT TRACK Jury Selection set for 12/3/2019 09:30AM before Honorable John E. Jones III. Pretrial Conference set for 11/1/2019. See order for all deadlines.(eo) (Entered: 02/22/2018)

Feb. 22, 2018

Feb. 22, 2018

14

Order #2- PRACTICE ORDER (eo) (Entered: 02/22/2018)

Feb. 22, 2018

Feb. 22, 2018

15

First MOTION to Dismiss by Teresa Miller, Pennsylvania Department of Human Services.(McLees, Matthew) (Entered: 02/26/2018)

Feb. 26, 2018

Feb. 26, 2018

16

BRIEF IN SUPPORT re 15 First MOTION to Dismiss filed by Teresa Miller, Pennsylvania Department of Human Services. (Attachments: # 1 Exhibit(s) Text of Regulations, # 2 Exhibit(s) Unreported Case)(McLees, Matthew) (Entered: 03/12/2018)

March 12, 2018

March 12, 2018

17

BRIEF IN OPPOSITION re 3 MOTION to Certify Class filed by Teresa Miller, Pennsylvania Department of Human Services.(McLees, Matthew) (Entered: 03/19/2018)

March 19, 2018

March 19, 2018

18

BRIEF IN OPPOSITION re 15 First MOTION to Dismiss filed by N. C., S. H., S. R., Theodore Smith, Chrystal Steward, M. T.. (Attachments: # 1 Attachment 1 (Leonard v. Mackereth); Attachment 2 (Odi v. Alexander); Attachment 3 (H.E. ex rel. Emerich v. Horton); Attachment 4 (N.B. v. Hamos), # 2 Attachment 5 (Crabtree v. Goetz); Attachment 6 (Nat'l Org. on Disability v. Tartaglione); Attachment 7 (Motion to Dismiss in Benjamin v. DPW); Attachment 8 (Benjamin v. DPW, Order denying Motion to Dismiss); Attachment 9 (Zatuchni v. Richman), # 3 Proposed Order)(Levin, Shanon) (Entered: 03/20/2018)

1 Attachment 1 (Leonard v. Mackereth); Attachment 2 (Odi v. Alexander); Attachmen

View on PACER

2 Attachment 5 (Crabtree v. Goetz); Attachment 6 (Nat'l Org. on Disability v

View on PACER

3 Proposed Order

View on PACER

March 20, 2018

March 20, 2018

19

First MOTION for Extension of Time to File Reply Brief to Brief in Opposition to Motion to DismissUnopposed by Teresa Miller, Pennsylvania Department of Human Services.(McLees, Matthew) (Entered: 03/27/2018)

March 27, 2018

March 27, 2018

20

ORDER granting 19 Motion to Extend Time (eo) (Entered: 03/28/2018)

March 28, 2018

March 28, 2018

21

REPLY BRIEF re 3 MOTION to Certify Class filed by N. C., S. H., S. R., Theodore Smith, Chrystal Steward, M. T.. (Attachments: # 1 Exhibit A (excerpts of Child and Family Services Reviews PA Final Report 2017); Exhibit B (excerpts of 2017 State Roundtable Report Transitional Youth Workgroup); Exhibit C (excerpts of DHS OCYF Title IV-B Child and Family Service Plan); Exhibit D (Kirk T. v. Houstoun); Exhibit E (Hunter v. Beshear))(Levin, Shanon) (Entered: 04/02/2018)

April 2, 2018

April 2, 2018

22

ORDER granting 3 Motion to Certify Class. See order for details. (eo) (Entered: 04/03/2018)

April 3, 2018

April 3, 2018

Clearinghouse
23

Second MOTION for Extension of Time to File Reply Brief to Brief in Opposition to Motion to DismissUnopposed by Teresa Miller, Pennsylvania Department of Human Services.(McLees, Matthew) (Entered: 04/10/2018)

April 10, 2018

April 10, 2018

24

ORDER granting 23 Motion to Extend Time (eo) (Entered: 04/10/2018)

April 10, 2018

April 10, 2018

25

REPLY BRIEF re 15 First MOTION to Dismiss filed by Teresa Miller, Pennsylvania Department of Human Services.(McLees, Matthew) (Entered: 04/17/2018)

April 17, 2018

April 17, 2018

26

Unopposed MOTION for Consideration of Plaintiffs' Proposed Class Notice and Distribution Plan by N. C., S. H., S. R., Theodore Smith, Chrystal Steward, M. T.. (Attachments: # 1 Certificate of Concurrence, # 2 Proposed Order, # 3 Exhibit A)(Levin, Shanon) (Entered: 05/03/2018)

May 3, 2018

May 3, 2018

27

ORDER Granting pltfs' mtn for consideration of proposed class notice and distribution plan 26 . 1. Within (45) days of the date this Order is entered, Class counsel will distribute the Class Notice to the following individuals and organizations: (a) individuals and organizations that represent children in the juvenile dependency system to the extent that Class counsel is able to obtain the contact information for those individuals and organizations; and (b) Court Appointed Special Advocate organizations.2. Within (21) days of the date this Order is entered, Class counsel will post the Class Notice on the website of Disability Rights Pennsylvania.3. Within (21) days of the date this Order is entered, Class counsel will distribute the Class Notice to members of Disability Rights Pennsylvania's listserv.4. Class counsel will submit a Declaration attesting that they distributed the Notice in accordance with this Order no later than (60) days after this Order is entered.Signed by Honorable John E. Jones, III on 5/7/18. (ma) (Entered: 05/07/2018)

May 7, 2018

May 7, 2018

Clearinghouse
28

ORDER denying 15 Motion to Dismiss (eo) (Entered: 05/23/2018)

May 23, 2018

May 23, 2018

Clearinghouse
29

PETITION FOR SPECIAL ADMISSION (PRO HAC VICE) by Jeni A Hergenreder on behalf of All Plaintiffs Attorney Jeni Hergenreder is seeking special admission. Filing fee $ 50, receipt number 0314-4434573.. (Hergenreder, Jeni) (Entered: 05/23/2018)

May 23, 2018

May 23, 2018

DOCKET ANNOTATION: Petitioning attorney and associate counsel's bar status verified. (aaa)

May 23, 2018

May 23, 2018

30

SPECIAL ADMISSIONS FORM APPROVED as to Jeni Hergenreder (eo) (Entered: 05/24/2018)

May 24, 2018

May 24, 2018

31

First MOTION for Extension of Time to File Answer re 1 Complaint Unopposed by Teresa Miller, Pennsylvania Department of Human Services.(McLees, Matthew) (Entered: 06/05/2018)

June 5, 2018

June 5, 2018

32

ORDER granting 31 Motion for Extension of Time to Answer All Defendants. (eo) (Entered: 06/06/2018)

June 6, 2018

June 6, 2018

33

ANSWER to Complaint by Teresa Miller.(McLees, Matthew) (Entered: 06/15/2018)

June 15, 2018

June 15, 2018

34

DECLARATION by N. C., S. H., S. R., Theodore Smith, Chrystal Steward, M. T. of Class Counsel. (Hergenreder, Jeni) (Entered: 06/28/2018)

June 28, 2018

June 28, 2018

35

Unopposed MOTION to Amend/Correct 13 Case Management Order - Standard Track by N. C., S. H., S. R., Theodore Smith, Chrystal Steward, M. T.. (Attachments: # 1 Certificate of Concurrence, # 2 Proposed Order)(Levin, Shanon) (Entered: 06/29/2018)

June 29, 2018

June 29, 2018

36

ORDER granting 35 Motion to Amend (eo) (Entered: 07/02/2018)

July 2, 2018

July 2, 2018

37

PETITION FOR SPECIAL ADMISSION (PRO HAC VICE) by Shari A Mamas on behalf of All Plaintiffs Attorney Shari Mamas is seeking special admission. Filing fee $ 50, receipt number 0314-4496735.. (Mamas, Shari) (Entered: 07/26/2018)

July 26, 2018

July 26, 2018

38

SPECIAL ADMISSIONS FORM APPROVED as to Shari A. Mamas (eo) (Entered: 07/26/2018)

July 26, 2018

July 26, 2018

39

Unopposed MOTION for Protective Order by N. C., S. H., S. R., Theodore Smith, Chrystal Steward, M. T.. (Attachments: # 1 Certificate of Concurrence, # 2 Proposed Order)(Hergenreder, Jeni) (Entered: 08/08/2018)

Aug. 8, 2018

Aug. 8, 2018

40

ORDER granting 39 Motion for Protective Order (eo) (Entered: 08/10/2018)

Aug. 10, 2018

Aug. 10, 2018

41

PETITION FOR SPECIAL ADMISSION (PRO HAC VICE) by Ira A Burnim on behalf of All Plaintiffs Attorney Ira Burnim is seeking special admission. Filing fee $ 50, receipt number 0314-4639108., filed by on behalf of All Plaintiffs.(Burnim, Ira) (Entered: 01/04/2019)

Jan. 4, 2019

Jan. 4, 2019

42

SPECIAL ADMISSIONS FORM APPROVED as to Ira Burnim (eo) (Entered: 01/08/2019)

Jan. 8, 2019

Jan. 8, 2019

DOCKET ANNOTATION: Petitioner Ira A. Burnim and Associate Counsel Kelly Darr - bar status verified. (dmn)

Jan. 8, 2019

Jan. 8, 2019

43

Unopposed MOTION to Amend/Correct 36 Order on Motion to Amend/Correct, 13 Case Management Order - Standard Track by N. C., S. H., S. R., Theodore Smith, Chrystal Steward, M. T.. (Attachments: # 1 Exhibit(s) Exhibit A (Declaration of Shanon S. Levin), # 2 Certificate of Concurrence, # 3 Proposed Order)(Levin, Shanon) (Entered: 02/05/2019)

Feb. 5, 2019

Feb. 5, 2019

44

SCHEDULING ORDER: Jury Selection set for 12/2/2020 09:30AM before Honorable John E. Jones III. Pretrial Conference set for 11/2/2020. See order ofr all deadlines(eo) (Entered: 02/07/2019)

Feb. 7, 2019

Feb. 7, 2019

45

Letter from Shanon S. Levin re Discovery Dispute Regarding Number of Admissions. (Levin, Shanon) (Entered: 06/11/2019)

June 11, 2019

June 11, 2019

46

ORDER REFERRING case to Chief Magistrate Judge Schwab for referral of matters to U.S. Magistrate Judge (eo) (Entered: 07/10/2019)

July 10, 2019

July 10, 2019

47

ORDER REFERRING CASE to Magistrate Judge Martin C. Carlson. Signed by Magistrate Judge Susan E. Schwab on 7/12/2019. (ktt) (Entered: 07/12/2019)

July 12, 2019

July 12, 2019

49

ORDER re 45 Letter - IT IS HEREBY ORDERED THAT the pltfs are permitted to serve the 88 requests for admissions contained in the June 3, 2019 set of requests that was served on the dfts. The parties are further advised that, because such appropriate requests for admissions are permitted for the purpose of streamlining the litigation, the Court may favorably consider allowing the plaintiff to serve up to 100 requests for admissions if the plaintiffs determine that more requests are necessary. Signed by Magistrate Judge Martin C. Carlson on July 19, 2019. (kjn) (Entered: 07/19/2019)

July 19, 2019

July 19, 2019

50

MOTION to Quash Disability Rights Pennsylvania's Subpoena by Columbia County Children and Youth Services.(Connell, Matthew) (Entered: 11/07/2019)

Nov. 7, 2019

Nov. 7, 2019

51

BRIEF IN SUPPORT re 50 MOTION to Quash Disability Rights Pennsylvania's Subpoena filed by Columbia County Children and Youth Services.(Connell, Matthew) (Entered: 11/07/2019)

Nov. 7, 2019

Nov. 7, 2019

52

BRIEF IN OPPOSITION re 50 MOTION to Quash Disability Rights Pennsylvania's Subpoena filed by N. C., S. H., S. R., Theodore Smith, Chrystal Steward, M. T.. (Attachments: # 1 Exhibit(s), # 2 Exhibit(s), # 3 Exhibit(s), # 4 Proposed Order)(Mamas, Shari) (Entered: 11/20/2019)

Nov. 20, 2019

Nov. 20, 2019

53

MOTION for Extension of Time to Complete Discovery by N. C., S. H., S. R., Theodore Smith, Chrystal Steward, M. T.. (Attachments: # 1 Proposed Order, # 2 Declaration, # 3 Certificate of Concurrence)(Mamas, Shari) (Entered: 12/04/2019)

Dec. 4, 2019

Dec. 4, 2019

54

ORDER granting 53 Motion for Extension of Time to Complete Discovery (eo) (Entered: 12/05/2019)

Dec. 5, 2019

Dec. 5, 2019

55

ORDER REFERRING MOTION: Inasmuch as this matter has previously been referred to Magistrate JudgeCarlson to handle a discovery issue, we shall REFER the motion to quashcurrently pending (Doc. 50) and any additional discovery issues arising in thismatter to him for resolution. (eo) (Entered: 02/18/2020)

Feb. 18, 2020

Feb. 18, 2020

56

MEMORANDUM ORDER - IT IS ORDERED that CCCYSs motion to quash or modify the subpoena served upon it (Doc. 50 ), is GRANTED, in part, in that on or before March 20, 2020, prior to compliance with the subpoena, plaintiffs counsel and counsel for CCCYS shall jointly arrange for A.S. to receive notice of the subpoena and for A.S. to be afforded an opportunity to be heard in the event of any objections on A.S.s part to the disclosure of this information. Signed by Magistrate Judge Martin C. Carlson on February 20, 2020. (kjn) (Entered: 02/21/2020)

Feb. 21, 2020

Feb. 21, 2020

Clearinghouse
57

Unopposed MOTION to Amend/Correct Scheduling Orders by Teresa Miller, Pennsylvania Department of Human Services. (Attachments: # 1 Proposed Order, # 2 Certificate of Concurrence)(McLees, Matthew) (Entered: 07/10/2020)

July 10, 2020

July 10, 2020

58

ORDER Granting Motion. Final Pretrial Conference reset for 8/2/2021. Jury Selection reset for 9/7/2021 09:30AM before Chief Judge John E. Jones III. See order for all deadlines. (eo) (Entered: 07/10/2020)

July 10, 2020

July 10, 2020

59

WITHDRAWAL OF ATTORNEY APPEARANCE - Attorney Gabriella Labella terminated on behalf of. (Mamas, Shari) (Entered: 08/31/2020)

Aug. 31, 2020

Aug. 31, 2020

60

Code of Professional Conduct by N. C., S. H., S. R., Theodore Smith, Chrystal Steward, M. T.. . (Mamas, Shari) (Entered: 08/31/2020)

Aug. 31, 2020

Aug. 31, 2020

DOCKET ANNOTATION: Counsel is advised to file a signed Code of Professional Conduct form. To avoid being recharged for this filing, please file this document using the event: Civil Events Other Filings Other Documents-Includes Social Security Transcript and Brief Events- Document Filed. (pjr)

Aug. 31, 2020

Aug. 31, 2020

61

Unopposed MOTION to Amend/Correct Scheduling Orders by Teresa Miller, Pennsylvania Department of Human Services. (Attachments: # 1 Certificate of Concurrence, # 2 Proposed Order)(McLees, Matthew) (Entered: 01/06/2021)

Jan. 6, 2021

Jan. 6, 2021

62

SCHEDULING ORDER: Final Pretrial Conference set for 5/2/2022. Jury Selection set for 6/6/2022 09:30AM before Chief Judge John E. Jones III. See order for all deadlines. (eo) (Entered: 01/06/2021)

Jan. 6, 2021

Jan. 6, 2021

Motions terminated: 61 Unopposed MOTION to Amend/Correct Scheduling Orders filed by Teresa Miller, Pennsylvania Department of Human Services. (eo)

Feb. 3, 2021

Feb. 3, 2021

63

Unopposed MOTION to Amend/Correct Scheduling Orders by Teresa Miller, Pennsylvania Department of Human Services. (Attachments: # 1 Certificate of Concurrence, # 2 Proposed Order)(McLees, Matthew) (Entered: 06/23/2021)

June 23, 2021

June 23, 2021

64

ORDER granting 63 Motion to Amend Scheduling Order. See order for all deadlines. (eo) (Entered: 06/24/2021)

June 24, 2021

June 24, 2021

VERBAL ORDER by Chief Judge Matthew W. Brann - Case Reassigned to Honorable Robert D. Mariani. (jw)

Aug. 2, 2021

Aug. 2, 2021

65

Unopposed MOTION to Stay Discovery Deadlines by Teresa Miller, Pennsylvania Department of Human Services. (Attachments: # 1 Certificate of Concurrence, # 2 Proposed Order)(McLees, Matthew) (Entered: 03/02/2022)

March 2, 2022

March 2, 2022

66

ORDER granting 65 Unopposed MOTION to Stay Discovery Deadlines filed by Teresa Miller, Pennsylvania Department of Human Services. The deadlines imposed in the Scheduling Order dated 6/24/21 64 are STAYED. The parties shall file a joint statement with the Court advising of the status of settlement within 3 months from the date of this Order. Signed by Honorable Robert D. Mariani on 3/3/22. (dw) (Entered: 03/03/2022)

March 3, 2022

March 3, 2022

Clearinghouse
67

WITHDRAWAL OF ATTORNEY APPEARANCE - Attorney Shanon S. Levin terminated on behalf of Plaintiffs. (Levin, Shanon) (Entered: 05/13/2022)

May 13, 2022

May 13, 2022

68

STATUS REPORT Joint by N. C., S. H., S. R., Theodore Smith, Chrystal Steward. (Hergenreder, Jeni) (Entered: 06/03/2022)

June 3, 2022

June 3, 2022

69

ORDER: ORDERED THAT: On or before 3/17/23, the parties shall file a joint letter setting forth the status of this case. If a settlement has not been reach, a joint report setting forth the status of the settlement shall be filed every 90 days until a settlement has been reached or one or both parties request that the stay in this action be lifted. Signed by Honorable Robert D Mariani on 3/10/23. (jam) (Entered: 03/10/2023)

March 10, 2023

March 10, 2023

70

STATUS REPORT by Teresa Miller, Pennsylvania Department of Human Services. (McLees, Matthew) (Entered: 03/16/2023)

March 16, 2023

March 16, 2023

71

STATUS REPORT by S. R.. (Hergenreder, Jeni) (Entered: 06/14/2023)

June 14, 2023

June 14, 2023

72

STATUS REPORT Joint Status Report by S. R.. (Hergenreder, Jeni) (Entered: 09/13/2023)

Sept. 13, 2023

Sept. 13, 2023

VERBAL ORDER REASSIGNING CASE - Case reassigned to Honorable Julia K Munley for all further proceedings. (jw)

Nov. 7, 2023

Nov. 7, 2023

73

STATUS REPORT Joint Status Report by S. R.. (Hergenreder, Jeni) (Entered: 12/12/2023)

Dec. 12, 2023

Dec. 12, 2023

74

Unopposed MOTION to Substitute Party NEXT FRIEND by S. R.. (Attachments: # 1 Proposed Order, # 2 Certificate of Concurrence)(Hergenreder, Jeni) (Entered: 12/19/2023)

Dec. 19, 2023

Dec. 19, 2023

75

ORDER granting 74 Motion to Substitute Next Friend, it is HEREBY ORDERED that the Motion is GRANTED and the Clerk is directed to substitute Alison M. Ware for Philip Rosenbauer as the Next Friend for Plaintiff S.R. Signed by Honorable Julia K Munley on 12/20/2023 (cp) (Entered: 12/20/2023)

Dec. 20, 2023

Dec. 20, 2023

76

STATUS REPORT Joint Status Report by S. R.. (Hergenreder, Jeni) (Entered: 03/12/2024)

March 12, 2024

March 12, 2024

77

STATUS REPORT Joint Status Report by S. R.. (Hergenreder, Jeni) (Entered: 06/11/2024)

June 11, 2024

June 11, 2024

78

STATUS REPORT by S. R.. (Hergenreder, Jeni) (Entered: 09/10/2024)

Sept. 10, 2024

Sept. 10, 2024

79

ORDER DIRECTING parties to submit a joint status report re result of in person meetings by 11/8/24. 78 Signed by Honorable Julia K Munley on 10/30/24. (sm) (Entered: 10/30/2024)

Oct. 30, 2024

Oct. 30, 2024

Clearinghouse
80

STATUS REPORT Joint Status Report by S. R.. (Hergenreder, Jeni) (Entered: 11/08/2024)

Nov. 8, 2024

Nov. 8, 2024

81

ORDER- DIRECTING parties to file a joint status report by 1/17/25 re settlement negotiations/referral to Magistrate Judge Status Report due by 1/17/2025. Signed by Honorable Julia K Munley on 12/10/24. (sm) (Entered: 12/10/2024)

Dec. 10, 2024

Dec. 10, 2024

82

STATUS REPORT by S. R.. (Hergenreder, Jeni) (Entered: 01/17/2025)

Jan. 17, 2025

Jan. 17, 2025

Clearinghouse
83

ORDER REFERRING CASE for Settlement to Honorable Phillip J. Caraballo. Signed by Honorable Julia K Munley on 2/21/25. (sm) (Entered: 02/21/2025)

Feb. 21, 2025

Feb. 21, 2025

Clearinghouse
84

SCHEDULING ORDER:Telephone Scheduling Conference set for 3/24/2025 at 02:00 PM before Honorable Phillip J. Caraballo.Signed by Honorable Phillip J. Caraballo on 03/20/2025. (ss) (Entered: 03/20/2025)

March 20, 2025

March 20, 2025

86

SCHEDULING ORDER:Settlement Conference set for 4/22/2025 at 10:30 AM in Harrisburg - Courtroom 4A before Honorable Phillip J. Caraballo.Signed by Honorable Phillip J. Caraballo on 03/31/2025. (ss) (Entered: 03/31/2025)

March 31, 2025

March 31, 2025

87

ORDER re 86 Scheduling OrderSettlement Conference scheduled for April 22, 2025 is CANCELED. See Order for Details. Signed by Honorable Phillip J. Caraballo on 04/10/2025. (ss) (Entered: 04/10/2025)

April 10, 2025

April 10, 2025

Settlement Conference that was scheduled for April 22, 2025 is CANCELED.Signed by Honorable Phillip J. Caraballo on 04/10/2025. (ss)

April 10, 2025

April 10, 2025

88

ORDER as the parties have notified the Court of an agreement re settlement, the Clerk of Court is directed to administratively CLOSE this case; Parties shall file a joint status report by May 9, 2025 re petition for approval/consummation of settlement. Signed by Honorable Julia K Munley on 5/1/25. (sm) (Entered: 05/01/2025)

May 1, 2025

May 1, 2025

RECAP
89

STATUS REPORT Joint Status Report by S. R.. (Hergenreder, Jeni) (Entered: 05/09/2025)

May 9, 2025

May 9, 2025

90

STATUS REPORT by Pennsylvania Department of Human Services, Teresa Miller. (McLees, Matthew) (Entered: 05/29/2025)

May 29, 2025

May 29, 2025

91

Unopposed MOTION for Settlement Preliminary Approval of the Proposed Class Action Settlement Agreement and for Approval of the Class Notice by S. R.. (Attachments: # 1 Certificate of Concurrence, # 2 Proposed Order, # 3 Exhibit(s) Exhibit 1, # 4 Exhibit(s) Exhibit 2, # 5 Exhibit(s) Exhibit 3)(Hergenreder, Jeni) (Entered: 07/02/2025)

1 Certificate of Concurrence

View on PACER

2 Proposed Order

View on PACER

3 Exhibit(s) Exhibit 1

View on PACER

4 Exhibit(s) Exhibit 2

View on PACER

5 Exhibit(s) Exhibit 3

View on PACER

July 2, 2025

July 2, 2025

92

SCHEDULING ORDER: Telephone Status Conference set for 7/24/2025 02:00 PM before Honorable Julia K Munley. Plaintiff to initiate the call Signed by Honorable Julia K Munley on 7/8/25. (sm) (Entered: 07/08/2025)

July 8, 2025

July 8, 2025

93

NOTICE of Hearing: Hearing re approval of settlement- set for 10/1/2025 11:00 AM in Scranton - Courtroom 2 before Honorable Julia K Munley.**SEE ORDER FOR SPECIFICS** Signed by Honorable Julia K Munley on 7/24/25. (sm) (Entered: 07/24/2025)

July 24, 2025

July 24, 2025

94

Unopposed MOTION to Exceed Page Limitation for Brief in Support of Final Approval of Proposed Class Action Settlement Agreement by N. C., S. H., S. R., Theodore Smith, Chrystal Steward, M. T.. (Attachments: # 1 Certificate of Concurrence, # 2 Proposed Order)(Hergenreder, Jeni) (Entered: 07/30/2025)

July 30, 2025

July 30, 2025

95

ORDER granting 94 Pltf's Motion for Leave to File Excess Pages- not to exceed 7000 words. Signed by Honorable Julia K Munley on 7/31/25 (sm) (Entered: 07/31/2025)

July 31, 2025

July 31, 2025

Case Details

State / Territory:

Pennsylvania

Case Type(s):

Disability Rights

Child Welfare

Key Dates

Filing Date: Dec. 18, 2017

Case Ongoing: Yes

Plaintiffs

Plaintiff Description:

All Pennsylvania children and youth under the age of 21 who, now or in the future, are adjudicated dependent and have diagnosed mental health disabilities

Plaintiff Type(s):

Private Plaintiff

Public Interest Lawyer: Yes

Filed Pro Se: No

Class Action Sought: Yes

Class Action Outcome: Granted

Defendants

Pennsylvania Department of Human Services, State

Defendant Type(s):

Jurisdiction-wide

Facility Type(s):

Government-run

Case Details

Causes of Action:

42 U.S.C. § 1983

Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), 42 U.S.C. §§ 12111 et seq.

Social Security (Title XX), 42 U.S.C. §§ 1397 et seq.

Other Dockets:

Middle District of Pennsylvania 1:17-cv-02332

Available Documents:

Any published opinion

Complaint (any)

Injunctive (or Injunctive-like) Relief

Trial Court Docket

Outcome

Prevailing Party: Plaintiff

Relief Sought:

Injunction

Relief Granted:

Injunction / Injunctive-like Settlement

Source of Relief:

Settlement

Form of Settlement:

Court Approved Settlement or Consent Decree

Content of Injunction:

Auditing

Monitoring

Recordkeeping

Required disclosure

Amount Defendant Pays: 895,000

Issues

General/Misc.:

Foster care (benefits, training)

Government services

Juveniles

Disability and Disability Rights:

Disability, unspecified

Intellectual/developmental disability, unspecified

Mental impairment

Discrimination Basis:

Disability (inc. reasonable accommodations)