Case: DOJ CRIPA Investigation of the Montgomery Developmental Center [MDC] in Huber Heights, Ohio

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Case Summary

In September 1985, the Civil Rights Division of the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) commenced an investigation of the Montgomery Developmental Center [MDC] in Huber Heights, Ohio, pursuant to the Civil Rights of Persons Act (CRIPA), 42 U.S.C. §1997. The investigation included a two day tour of the MDC by an independent medical expert who specialized in the administration of medical care to institutionalized intellectually disabled individuals. The DOC also reviewed and analyzed documents, inc…

In September 1985, the Civil Rights Division of the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) commenced an investigation of the Montgomery Developmental Center [MDC] in Huber Heights, Ohio, pursuant to the Civil Rights of Persons Act (CRIPA), 42 U.S.C. §1997. The investigation included a two day tour of the MDC by an independent medical expert who specialized in the administration of medical care to institutionalized intellectually disabled individuals. The DOC also reviewed and analyzed documents, including policies and procedures in effect at MDC.

Following the investigation, the DOJ issued its findings letter dated March 5, 1987, which detailed deficiencies at the MDC, particularly in the areas of medication administration practices and resident safety. The DOJ found that an unusually high number of MDC residents were administered psychotropic medication and that MDC residents frequently sustained injuries from accidents, self-abuse, and resident-to-resident aggression. Record keeping in both areas of concern was noted as inadequate. The MDC was granted a period of three months for state officials, including the Office of the Attorney General, to voluntarily remedy the outstanding deficiencies.

The DOJ sent an updated findings letter in December 1987, noting that its expert reported that the MDC had made substantial efforts to improve medication practices but had not properly addressed the issue of resident safety. As the MDC continued to reduce its reliance on medicating residents, the expert predicted that the incidents of injuries would remain unchanged or could worsen. The DOJ made recommendations to remedy the concerns and proposed a retour of the MDC in three months.

We have no further information on this matter.

Summary Authors

Dan Dalton (3/14/2007)

People


Attorney for Plaintiff

Reynolds, William Bradford (District of Columbia)

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Documents in the Clearinghouse

Document

Findings Letter re: Montgomery Developmental Center, Huber Heights, Ohio

DOJ CRIPA Investigation of the Montgomery Developmental Center [MDC] in Huber Heights, Ohio

March 5, 1987

March 5, 1987

Findings Letter/Report

Findings Letter re: Montgomery Developmental Center, Huber Heights, Ohio

Dec. 16, 1987

Dec. 16, 1987

Findings Letter/Report

Docket

Last updated Aug. 30, 2023, 2:47 p.m.

Docket sheet not available via the Clearinghouse.

Case Details

State / Territory: Ohio

Case Type(s):

Intellectual Disability (Facility)

Special Collection(s):

Civil Rights Division Archival Collection

Key Dates

Case Ongoing: No reason to think so

Plaintiffs

Plaintiff Description:

United States Department of Justice

Plaintiff Type(s):

U.S. Dept of Justice plaintiff

Attorney Organizations:

U.S. Dept. of Justice Civil Rights Division

Public Interest Lawyer: Yes

Filed Pro Se: No

Class Action Sought: No

Class Action Outcome: Not sought

Defendants

Montgomery Developmental Center (Huber Heights), State

Case Details

Causes of Action:

Civil Rights of Institutionalized Persons Act (CRIPA), 42 U.S.C. § 1997 et seq.

Special Case Type(s):

Out-of-court

Available Documents:

None of the above

Outcome

Prevailing Party: None Yet / None

Nature of Relief:

Unknown

Source of Relief:

Unknown

Issues

General:

Incident/accident reporting & investigations

Informed consent/involuntary medication

Neglect by staff

Record-keeping

Staff (number, training, qualifications, wages)

Jails, Prisons, Detention Centers, and Other Institutions:

Assault/abuse by staff (facilities)

Medical/Mental Health:

Dementia

Medication, administration of

Mental health care, general

Type of Facility:

Government-run