Filed Date: Jan. 6, 1987
Clearinghouse coding complete
On November 30, 1984, the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) initiated an investigation of the Belle Chasse State School, which was a facility for people with intellectual disabilities in Belle Chase, Louisiana, pursuant to the Civil Rights of Institutionalized Persons Act (CRIPA), 42 U.S.C. § 1997 et seq.. During the investigation, the facility was renamed the Metropolitan Developmental Center (MDC). On January 16, 1986, the DOJ issued a findings letter to the State of Louisiana, alleging constitutional violations in the areas of medical care, record-keeping, staffing, safety procedures, and freedom from of patients undue bodily restraints. The DOJ proposed a resolution of these violations by consent decree, but on April 22, 1986, Louisiana refused to settle.
On January 6, 1987, the DOJ filed a lawsuit under 42 U.S.C. § 1997 (CRIPA) against the State of Louisiana in the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Louisiana, alleging that the defendants had violated the constitutional rights of MDC patients. On July 22, 1987, the district court (Judge Henry Alvan Mentz, Jr.) issued a consent decree in the case. The consent decree covered the areas of medical care, staffing, bodily restraints, record-keeping, and safety procedures.
Sometime thereafter, in an undated court order, the district court (Judge Mentz) approved a stipulation of dismissal and dismissed the case, finding the defendants in compliance with the consent decree.
Summary Authors
Kristen Sagar (7/21/2006)
Baity, William F. (Louisiana)
Barrick, Andrew J. (District of Columbia)
Castille, Charles F. (Louisiana)
Davis, Lois C. (Louisiana)
Guste, William J. Jr. (Louisiana)
Mentz, Henry Alvan Jr. (Louisiana)
Last updated March 25, 2024, 3:05 a.m.
Docket sheet not available via the Clearinghouse.State / Territory: Louisiana
Case Type(s):
Intellectual Disability (Facility)
Key Dates
Filing Date: Jan. 6, 1987
Case Ongoing: No
Plaintiffs
Plaintiff Description:
United States Department of Justice
Plaintiff Type(s):
U.S. Dept of Justice plaintiff
Public Interest Lawyer: Yes
Filed Pro Se: No
Class Action Sought: No
Class Action Outcome: Not sought
Defendants
Belle Chasse State School (Belle Chasse), State
Case Details
Causes of Action:
Civil Rights of Institutionalized Persons Act (CRIPA), 42 U.S.C. § 1997 et seq.
Available Documents:
Injunctive (or Injunctive-like) Relief
Outcome
Prevailing Party: Plaintiff
Nature of Relief:
Injunction / Injunctive-like Settlement
Source of Relief:
Form of Settlement:
Court Approved Settlement or Consent Decree
Order Duration: 1987 - None
Issues
General:
Staff (number, training, qualifications, wages)
Disability and Disability Rights:
Intellectual/developmental disability, unspecified
Medical/Mental Health:
Type of Facility: