Case: U.S. v. Louisiana

2:87-00025 | U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Louisiana

Filed Date: Jan. 6, 1987

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Case Summary

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 cons…

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)

People


Judge(s)
Attorney for Plaintiff

Baity, William F. (Louisiana)

Barrick, Andrew J. (District of Columbia)

Attorney for Defendant

Castille, Charles F. (Louisiana)

Davis, Lois C. (Louisiana)

Guste, William J. Jr. (Louisiana)

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Documents in the Clearinghouse

Document

2:87-00025

Notice Letter re: CRIPA Investigation of Belle Chasse State School, Belle Chasse, Louisiana

No Court

Nov. 30, 1984

Nov. 30, 1984

Notice Letter

2:87-00025

Findings Letter re: CRIPA Investigation of Belle Chasse State School

No Court

Jan. 16, 1986

Jan. 16, 1986

Findings Letter/Report

2:87-00025

Findings Letter re: CRIPA Investigation of Metropolitan Developmental Center, 42 U.S.C. Sect. 1997 (1982).

No Court

Aug. 22, 1986

Aug. 22, 1986

Findings Letter/Report

2:87-00025

Consent Decree

July 22, 1987

July 22, 1987

Order/Opinion

2:87-00025

Stipulation of Dismissal

July 23, 1987

July 23, 1987

Order/Opinion

Docket

Last updated March 25, 2024, 3:05 a.m.

Docket sheet not available via the Clearinghouse.

Case Details

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

State of Louisiana, State

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:

Settlement

Form of Settlement:

Court Approved Settlement or Consent Decree

Order Duration: 1987 - None

Issues

General:

Fire safety

Record-keeping

Restraints : physical

Staff (number, training, qualifications, wages)

Disability and Disability Rights:

Least restrictive environment

Intellectual/developmental disability, unspecified

Medical/Mental Health:

Medical care, general

Mental health care, general

Type of Facility:

Government-run