Thursday, May 27, 2010

DOJ supports Illinois plan to care for, house people with mental illness

From The Associated Press:

CHICAGO-- The federal government is giving its support to a plan on how Illinois will care for and house people with mental illness.

The U.S. Justice Department filed a brief May 25 in federal court in support of a proposed settlement in a class action lawsuit.

Attorney General Lisa Madigan's spokesperson, Robyn Ziegler, says the settlement is intended to ensure people with mental illnesses who are able to live more independently and integrated into the community will have the opportunity to do so .
The settlement, filed in March and needing a judicial OK, would give the state five years to help thousands of residents move out of large mental institutions and provide them support services.

The agreement gives the state a timetable for helping residents make the transition to apartments and small homes.