Case: Connor B. v. Patrick

1:10-cv-30073 | U.S. District Court for the District of Massachusetts

Filed Date: April 15, 2010

Closed Date: 2014

Clearinghouse coding complete

Case Summary

On April 15, 2010, plaintiffs filed a class action lawsuit against the Commonwealth of Massachusetts in the United States District Court for the District of Massachusetts on behalf of all children who are now or will be in the foster care custody of the Massachusetts Department of Children and Families ("DCF") as a result of abuse or neglect. Plaintiffs sought declaratory and injunctive relief. Specifically, Plaintiffs alleged that the Massachusetts foster care system is causing physical and …

On April 15, 2010, plaintiffs filed a class action lawsuit against the Commonwealth of Massachusetts in the United States District Court for the District of Massachusetts on behalf of all children who are now or will be in the foster care custody of the Massachusetts Department of Children and Families ("DCF") as a result of abuse or neglect. Plaintiffs sought declaratory and injunctive relief. Specifically, Plaintiffs alleged that the Massachusetts foster care system is causing physical and psychological harm to the children within the system. Plaintiffs claimed that DCF harmed children through a high rate of child abuse and neglect within the system, a high degree of placement instability, a low rate of adoption from foster care, overadministration of psychiatric medication, not adequately preparing foster children to live independently as adults, and further abuse and neglect after reunification with their families. Plaintiffs alleged that these harms to children were caused by Defendants' failure to effectively manage the agency's workforce, resources and practices. Plaintiffs claimed that DCF and state officials had long been aware of the systemic failings of the program but had failed to remedy the situation.

On August 20, 2010, Defendants filed a joint Motion to Dismiss Under Rule 12(b)(1) and 12(b)(6). Defendants attacked the sufficiency of Plaintiffs' allegations and offered three threshold arguments: (1) that Plaintiffs lacked standing; (2) that the court should abstain from hearing the case pursuant to Younger v. Harris, 401 U.S. 37 (1971); and (3) that the doctrine of sovereign immunity bars all claims as to Defendant Patrick. On January 4, 2011, the Court (Senior Judge Michael A. Ponsor) denied Defendants' Motions to Dismiss. Connor B. ex rel. Vigurs v. Patrick, 771 F. Supp. 2d 142 (D. Mass. 2011).

On February 28, 2011, the Court (Judge Ponsor) granted Plaintiffs' Motion to Certify Class and Appoint Class Counsel, holding that all necessary requirements to certify this Rule 23(b)(2) class were satisfied. Connor B. ex rel. Vigurs v. Patrick, 272 F.R.D. 288 (D. Mass. 2011). Following the Supreme Court's decision in Wal-Mart Stores, Inc. v. Dukes, 131 S. Ct. 2541 (2011), Defendants moved to decertify the Plaintiff class. The Defendants argued that the Plaintiff class no longer met the higher burden for class certification that Wal-Mart imposed. On November 10, 2011, the Court (Judge Ponsor) denied the motion, holding that (1) the Wal-Mart case had "little explicit application to this much different case," and (2) that Defendants' motion was "the substantive equivalent of an appeal," and was therefore untimely, as it was filed seven months after the original certification order. Connor B. ex rel. Vigurs v. Patrick, 278 F.R.D. 30 (D. Mass. 2011).

Over the next year, the parties completed fact and expert discovery. On October 18, 2012, with trial scheduled for January 2013, the Defendants moved to change venue. The Defendants argued that having a trial in Springfield would be burdensome for DCF officials who would be forced to travel to testify, and asked the Court to transfer the case to the Eastern Division in Boston. On November 14, 2012, the District Court (Judge Ponsor) granted Defendant's order of transfer, vacated the scheduling order, and transferred the case to Boston.

The case was reassigned to District Judge William G. Young. The Court (Judge Young) largely reinstated the original scheduling order and set a trial date for January 22, 2013. Jut eleven days before trial, the Court denied Defendants' motion for partial summary judgment, "not on the merits, but as a matter of judicial economy," and indicated he would rule on all claims at trial.

The bench trial before Judge Young commenced on January 22, 2013 and continued intermittently over the next few months. Plaintiffs rested their case on March 1, 2013. On April 30, 2013, Defendants moved for judgment on partial findings. The Court continued to take evidence at trial, and adjourned on May 14, 2013, following twenty-four days of trial.

On September 30, 2013, the District Court (Judge Young) entered an order granting Defendants' motion for judgment on partial findings and entered judgment for Defendants on all counts. The Court, however, did not accompany his order with an opinion, and instead stated that "[t]he parties ought rest assured, however, that a memorandum setting forth the relevant findings of fact and conclusions of law, as required by Federal Rule of Civil Procedure 52(c), is to follow in due course."

Nearly two months later, on November 26, 2013, the Court (Judge Young) issued its findings and rulings. The Court was very critical of the state of the Massachusetts foster care system, but stated that Defendants were not responsible for the shortcomings. Instead, the Court stated that "financial and administrative constraints - not the alleged mismanagement by DCF officials - pose the greatest threat to children in the Massachusetts foster care system today." In applying the two-pronged substantive due process standard formulated by Judge Ponsor, Judge Young held that (1) DCF did not substantially depart from accepted professional judgment, and (2) the conduct of the state with respect to foster children did not "shock the conscience." The Court stated that, while the accounts of the Named Plaintiffs were "harrowing," Plaintiffs failed to prove that "the deprivations complained of were felt class-wide." Connor B. ex rel. Vigurs v. Patrick, 985 F. Supp. 2d 129 (D. Mass. 2013).

Plaintiffs appealed the decision to the United States Court of Appeals for the First Circuit. Plaintiffs argued that: (1) the District Court erred in applying a new, two-pronged standard for Plaintiffs' substantive due process claims; (2) the District Court erred in holding that Plaintiffs did not experience class-wide professional deprivations, and that such deprivations did not depart from accepted professional judgment; and (3) that the District Court improperly relied on fiscal considerations in denying Plaintiffs relief. Defendants, for their part, argued that DCF was imperfect, but that their failures did not rise to the level of a constitutional violation.

On December 15, 2014, the United States Court of Appeals for the First Circuit affirmed the District Court's granting of judgment on partial findings. The Court stated that Plaintiffs "have not established, based on the facts, that there have been constitutional violations as to the class of foster children, [and] so they are not entitled to an injunction or federal court oversight." The Court held that, even if applying the two-pronged substantive due process standard was error, Plaintiffs failed to meet the lower standard that they sought: departure from accepted professional judgment. Furthermore, the Court of Appeals held that the District Court did not improperly rely on budget constraints to deny Plaintiffs relief--it did not find that there were violations and then excuse them by budgetary constraints. It found, in the first instance, that there were no constitutional violations. The Court stated that "[t]he problems are now for the Governor and legislature of Massachusetts to resolve." Connor B. ex rel. Vigurs v. Patrick, 774 F.3d 45 (1st Cir. 2014).

Summary Authors

David Priddy (6/24/2011)

Dan Whitman (2/1/2015)

People

For PACER's information on parties and their attorneys, see: https://www.courtlistener.com/docket/4862917/parties/b-v-patrick/


Judge(s)
Attorney for Plaintiff

Bartosz, Sara Michelle (New York)

Borten, Laurence D. (New York)

Attorney for Defendant

Barshak, Jason B. (Massachusetts)

Bayless, Jeremy D. (Massachusetts)

Expert/Monitor/Master/Other

Aleo, Michael E. (Massachusetts)

show all people

Documents in the Clearinghouse

Document

1:10-cv-30073

Docket

Jan. 7, 2015

Jan. 7, 2015

Docket
1

1:10-cv-30073

Complaint

April 15, 2010

April 15, 2010

Complaint
17

1:10-cv-30073

Motion to Dismiss As to the Governor

Aug. 20, 2010

Aug. 20, 2010

Pleading / Motion / Brief
18

1:10-cv-30073

Defendants' Motion to Dismiss the Complaint Pursuant to Fed. R. Civ. P. 12(b)(1) and 12(b)(6)

Aug. 20, 2010

Aug. 20, 2010

Pleading / Motion / Brief
43

1:10-cv-30073

Memorandum and Order Regarding Defendant Patrick's Motion to Dismiss and Defendants' Motion to Dismiss

Jan. 4, 2011

Jan. 4, 2011

Order/Opinion

771 F.Supp.2d 771

49

1:10-cv-30073

Memorandum and Order Regarding Plaintiffs' Motion to Certify Class and Appoint Class Counsel

Feb. 28, 2011

Feb. 28, 2011

Order/Opinion

272 F.R.D. 272

79

1:10-cv-30073

Memorandum and Order Regarding Defendants' Motion to Decertify Plaintiffs' Class and Defendants' Motion to Stay Discovery Pending a Ruling on their Motion to Decertify the Class

Nov. 10, 2011

Nov. 10, 2011

Order/Opinion

278 F.R.D. 278

373

1:10-cv-30073

Findings and Rulings

Nov. 22, 2013

Nov. 22, 2013

Order/Opinion

985 F.Supp.2d 985

00116776092

13-02467

First Circuit Opinion

U.S. Court of Appeals for the First Circuit

Dec. 15, 2014

Dec. 15, 2014

Order/Opinion

774 F.3d 774

Resources

Docket

See docket on RECAP: https://www.courtlistener.com/docket/4862917/b-v-patrick/

Last updated March 13, 2024, 3:08 a.m.

ECF Number Description Date Link Date / Link
1

COMPLAINT against All Defendants Filing fee: $ 350, receipt number 0101-2866458 (Fee Status: Filing Fee paid), filed by Connor B., Rakeem D., Camila R., Adam S., Andre S., Seth T.. (Attachments: # 1 Civil Cover Sheet Civil Action Cover Sheet, # 2 Category Form)(Gleason, Daniel) (Attachment 1 replaced on 4/15/2010) (Finn, Mary). (Entered: 04/15/2010)

April 15, 2010

April 15, 2010

PACER
2

MOTION to Certify Class and Appointment of Class Counsel by Connor B., Rakeem D., Camila R., Adam S., Andre S., Seth T.. (Attachments: Added MOTION to Appoint of Class Counsel on 4/15/2010 (Finn, Mary). Modified on 4/15/2010 (Finn, Mary). (Entered: 04/15/2010)

April 15, 2010

April 15, 2010

PACER
3

MOTION for Leave to Appear Pro Hac Vice for admission of Marcia Robinson Lowry, Susan Lambiase, Sara Michelle Bartosz, Laurence D. Borten, and Kara Morrow Filing fee: $ 250, receipt number 0101-2866706 by Connor B., Rakeem D., Camila R., Adam S., Andre S., Seth T.. (Attachments: # 1 Affidavit, # 2 Affidavit, # 3 Affidavit, # 4 Affidavit, # 5 Affidavit)(Gleason, Daniel) (Entered: 04/15/2010)

April 15, 2010

April 15, 2010

PACER

Notice of correction to docket made by Court staff. Correction: Document 2 motion to certify class and motion for Appointment of Class Counsel. corrected because: To add the relief - Motion to Appoint Class Counsel and to delete the memorandum and affidavit that were attachments and to docket them individually. (Finn, Mary)

April 15, 2010

April 15, 2010

PACER
4

MEMORANDUM in Support re 2 MOTION to Certify Class and Appointment of Class Counsel MOTION to Appoint Counsel filed by Connor B., Rakeem D., Camila R., Adam S., Andre S., Seth T.. (Attachments: # 1 Affidavit Marcia Robinson Lowry)(Finn, Mary) (Entered: 04/15/2010)

April 15, 2010

April 15, 2010

PACER

Case Assigned to Judge Michael A Ponsor. Counsel are directed to the Court's Standing Orders re: Electronic Case Filing. Consent Form mailed to counsel. (Finn, Mary)

April 15, 2010

April 15, 2010

PACER

Judge Michael A Ponsor: ELECTRONIC ORDER entered granting 3 Motion for Leave to Appear Pro Hac Vice Added Marcia Robinson Lowry, Susan Lambiase, Sara Michelle Bartosz, Laurence D. Borten and Kara Morrow.. Attorneys admitted Pro Hac Vice must register for electronic filing. To register go to the Court website at www.mad.uscourts.gov. Select Case Information, then Electronic Filing (CM/ECF) and go to the CM/ECF Registration Form. (Finn, Mary)

April 15, 2010

April 15, 2010

PACER
5

NOTICE issued to Attorney Kara Morrow, Laurence Borton, Marcia Robinson Lowry, Sara Michelle Bartosz, Susan Lambiase regarding mandatory registration and use with ECF in compliance with the Standing Order entered by Judge Ponsor and Magistrate Judge Neiman. (Finn, Mary) (Entered: 04/15/2010)

April 15, 2010

April 15, 2010

PACER

Summons Issued as to Judyann Bigby, Angelo McClain, Deval L. Patrick issued by the Court. (Finn, Mary)

April 15, 2010

April 15, 2010

PACER
6

SUMMONS Returned Executed Deval L. Patrick served on 4/15/2010, answer due 5/6/2010. (Persky, Jonathan) (Entered: 04/20/2010)

April 20, 2010

April 20, 2010

PACER
7

SUMMONS Returned Executed Judyann Bigby served on 4/15/2010, answer due 5/6/2010. (Persky, Jonathan) (Entered: 04/20/2010)

April 20, 2010

April 20, 2010

PACER
8

SUMMONS Returned Executed Angelo McClain served on 4/15/2010, answer due 5/6/2010. (Persky, Jonathan) (Entered: 04/20/2010)

April 20, 2010

April 20, 2010

PACER
9

SUMMONS Returned Executed Deval L. Patrick served on 6/21/2010, answer due 7/12/2010. (Persky, Jonathan) (Entered: 06/21/2010)

June 21, 2010

June 21, 2010

PACER
10

SUMMONS Returned Executed Judyann Bigby served on 6/21/2010, answer due 7/12/2010. (Persky, Jonathan) (Entered: 06/21/2010)

June 21, 2010

June 21, 2010

PACER
11

SUMMONS Returned Executed Angelo McClain served on 6/21/2010, answer due 7/12/2010. (Persky, Jonathan) (Finn, Mary). (Main Document 11 replaced on 6/22/2010) (Finn, Mary). (Entered: 06/21/2010)

June 21, 2010

June 21, 2010

PACER

Reset Answer Deadlines for Angelo McClain - 7/9/2010. (Finn, Mary)

June 22, 2010

June 22, 2010

PACER

Notice of correction to docket made by Court staff. Correction: Document 11 summons as to Deft. Angelo McClain. corrected because: Correct summons replaced with the incorrect summons. Correct summons has a service date of 6/21/2010 and the incorrect summons had a service date of 6/18/2010. Deft. Angelo McClain's answer due to be reset back to 7/12/2010.

June 22, 2010

June 22, 2010

PACER

Set/Reset Answer Deadlines for Angelo McClain - 7/12/2010. (The prior date of 7/09/2010 that was set was incorrect due to the Deft. was served on 6/21/2010) (Finn, Mary)

June 22, 2010

June 22, 2010

PACER
12

NOTICE of Appearance by Robert L. Quinan, Jr on behalf of Deval L. Patrick, Judyann Bigby and Angelo McClain. (Quinan, Robert) Modified on 6/30/2010 to add Judyann Bigby and Angelo McClain's names to the text. (Finn, Mary). (Entered: 06/29/2010)

June 29, 2010

June 29, 2010

PACER
13

MOTION for Extension of Time to August 20, 2010 to File Answer or Other Response to Plaintiffs' Complaint by Deval L. Patrick, Judy Ann Bigby and Angelo McClain .(Quinan, Robert) Modified on 6/30/2010 to add Judy Ann Bigby and Angelo McClain as filers. (Finn, Mary). (Entered: 06/29/2010)

June 29, 2010

June 29, 2010

PACER

Judge Michael A Ponsor: ELECTRONIC ORDER entered granting 13 Motion for Extension of Time to Answer re 1 Complaint, Judyann Bigby answer due 8/20/2010; Angelo McClain answer due 8/20/2010; Deval L. Patrick answer due 8/20/2010. (Finn, Mary)

June 30, 2010

June 30, 2010

PACER
14

STIPULATION re 2 MOTION to Certify Class and Appointment of Class Counsel MOTION to Appoint Counsel ; Stipulation Concerning Initial Rule 23 Discovery and Defendants' Time to Respond to Plaintiffs' Motion for Class Certification by All Parties, All Defendants, All Plaintiffs. (Quinan, Robert) (Entered: 07/02/2010)

July 2, 2010

July 2, 2010

PACER
15

STIPULATION and Proposed Order Governing the Treatment of Confidential Information by All Parties. (Quinan, Robert) (Entered: 08/03/2010)

Aug. 3, 2010

Aug. 3, 2010

PACER
16

NOTICE of Appearance by Amy Spector on behalf of All Defendants (Spector, Amy) (Entered: 08/19/2010)

Aug. 19, 2010

Aug. 19, 2010

PACER
17

MOTION to Dismiss As to the Governor by Deval L. Patrick.(Spector, Amy) (Entered: 08/20/2010)

Aug. 20, 2010

Aug. 20, 2010

PACER
18

MOTION to Dismiss Under Rule 12(b)(1) and 12(b)(6) by All Defendants.(Spector, Amy) (Entered: 08/20/2010)

Aug. 20, 2010

Aug. 20, 2010

PACER
19

MOTION for Leave to File Excess Pages by All Defendants.(Spector, Amy) (Entered: 08/20/2010)

Aug. 20, 2010

Aug. 20, 2010

PACER
20

MEMORANDUM in Support re 18 MOTION to Dismiss Under Rule 12(b)(1) and 12(b)(6) filed by All Defendants. (Attachments: # 1 Exhibit A: 2007 CFSR Report, # 2 Exhibit B: Program Improvement Plan, # 3 Legal Addendum: Court Rules)(Spector, Amy) (Entered: 08/20/2010)

Aug. 20, 2010

Aug. 20, 2010

PACER
22

Letter/request (non-motion) from Amy Spector, A.A.G. for Purpose of Filing Table of Authorities in Connection with Memorandum of Law in Support of Motion to Dismiss. (Spector, Amy) (Entered: 08/26/2010)

Aug. 26, 2010

Aug. 26, 2010

PACER
23

Assented to MOTION for Extension of Time to 9/30/2010 to File Response/Reply as to 17 MOTION to Dismiss As to the Governor, 18 MOTION to Dismiss Under Rule 12(b)(1) and 12(b)(6) by All Plaintiffs.(Persky, Jonathan) (Entered: 08/31/2010)

Aug. 31, 2010

Aug. 31, 2010

PACER

Judge Michael A Ponsor: ELECTRONIC ORDER entered granting 23 Motion for Extension of Time to File Response/Reply re 17 MOTION to Dismiss As to the Governor, 18 MOTION to Dismiss Under Rule 12(b)(1) and 12(b)(6). Pltfs' Responses due by 9/30/2010. (Finn, Mary)

Aug. 31, 2010

Aug. 31, 2010

PACER

ELECTRONIC NOTICE Setting Hearing on Motion 17 MOTION to Dismiss As to the Governor, 18 MOTION to Dismiss Under Rule 12(b)(1) and 12(b)(6), 19 MOTION for Leave to File Excess Pages, 2 MOTION to Certify Class and Appointment of Class Counsel MOTION to Appoint Counsel : Motion Hearing set for 11/23/2010 02:00 PM in Hampden Courtroom before Judge Michael A Ponsor. (Pelegano, Theresa)

Sept. 13, 2010

Sept. 13, 2010

PACER
25

MOTION for Leave to File Excess Pages by All Plaintiffs.(Bartosz, Sara) (Entered: 09/30/2010)

Sept. 30, 2010

Sept. 30, 2010

PACER
26

MEMORANDUM in Opposition re 17 MOTION to Dismiss As to the Governor, 18 MOTION to Dismiss Under Rule 12(b)(1) and 12(b)(6) filed by All Plaintiffs. (Attachments: # 1 Exhibit A, # 2 Exhibit B, # 3 Exhibit C)(Bartosz, Sara) (Entered: 09/30/2010)

Sept. 30, 2010

Sept. 30, 2010

PACER

Judge Michael A Ponsor: ENDORSED ORDER entered granting 19 Motion for Leave to File Excess Pages ; Counsel using the Electronic Case Filing System should now file the document for which leave to file has been granted in accordance with the CM/ECF Administrative Procedures. Counsel must include - Leave to file granted on (date of order)- in the caption of the document.; granting 25 Motion for Leave to File Excess Pages ; Counsel using the Electronic Case Filing System should now file the document for which leave to file has been granted in accordance with the CM/ECF Administrative Procedures. Counsel must include - Leave to file granted on (date of order)- in the caption of the document. (Finn, Mary)

Oct. 14, 2010

Oct. 14, 2010

PACER
27

MEMORANDUM in Opposition re 17 MOTION to Dismiss As to the Governor, 18 MOTION to Dismiss Under Rule 12(b)(1) and 12(b)(6) filed by All Plaintiffs. (Bartosz, Sara) (Entered: 10/14/2010)

Oct. 14, 2010

Oct. 14, 2010

PACER
28

MEMORANDUM in Support re 17 MOTION to Dismiss As to the Governor, 18 MOTION to Dismiss Under Rule 12(b)(1) and 12(b)(6) (Leave to File Granted 10/14/2010) filed by All Defendants. (Attachments: # 1 Exhibit 2007 Review, # 2 Exhibit State Improvement Plan, # 3 Appendix Massachusetts Trial Court Rules, Uniform Rules for Permanency Hearings, # 4 Appendix Table of Authorities)(Spector, Amy) (Entered: 10/15/2010)

Oct. 15, 2010

Oct. 15, 2010

PACER
29

MOTION for Leave to File Reply Memorandum by All Defendants. (Attachments: # 1 Defendants' Reply Memorandum, # 2 DCF Policy #86-011)(Spector, Amy) (Entered: 11/03/2010)

Nov. 3, 2010

Nov. 3, 2010

PACER

Judge Michael A Ponsor: ELECTRONIC ORDER entered granting 29 Motion for Leave to File Document ; Counsel using the Electronic Case Filing System should now file the document for which leave to file has been granted in accordance with the CM/ECF Administrative Procedures. Counsel must include - Leave to file granted on (date of order)- in the caption of the document. (Finn, Mary)

Nov. 4, 2010

Nov. 4, 2010

PACER
30

Reply Memorandum in response to the Pltfs' oppositions to their 17, & 18 motions to dismiss filed by All Defendants. Reply Memorandum (Leave to File Granted on 11/4/10). (Attachments: # 1 DCF Policy # 86-011)(Spector, Amy) Modified on 11/5/2010 (Finn, Mary). (Entered: 11/05/2010)

Nov. 5, 2010

Nov. 5, 2010

PACER

Notice of correction to docket made by Court staff. Correction: Text of document 30 - Reply memorandum. corrected because: Text corrected to reflect the document that is being filed - a reply memorandum, not a memorandum in support. (Finn, Mary)

Nov. 5, 2010

Nov. 5, 2010

PACER
31

Assented to MOTION for Leave to File Excess Pages in Response to Document No. 4, by All Defendants. (Attachments: # 1 Defendants' Opposition to Plaintiffs' Motion for Class Certification, # 2 Exhibit A to Defs' Class Cert Oppo (Walter Affidavit), # 3 Exhibit B to Defs' Class Cert Oppo (Killian Aff. w/ Pearson testimony), # 4 Exhibit C to Defs' Class Cert Oppo (Clauson depo trnscrpt excerpts), # 5 Exhibit D to Defs' Class Cert Oppo (Sullivan depo trnscrpt excerpts), # 6 Exhibit E to Defs' Class Cert Oppo (Ferreira Affidavit))(Quinan, Robert) (Entered: 11/09/2010)

Nov. 9, 2010

Nov. 9, 2010

PACER

Judge Michael A Ponsor: ELECTRONIC ORDER entered granting 31 Motion for Leave to File Excess Pages ; Counsel using the Electronic Case Filing System should now file the document for which leave to file has been granted in accordance with the CM/ECF Administrative Procedures. Counsel must include - Leave to file granted on (date of order)- in the caption of the document. (Finn, Mary)

Nov. 10, 2010

Nov. 10, 2010

PACER
32

Opposition re 2 MOTION to Certify Class and Appointment of Class Counsel MOTION to Appoint Counsel filed by All Defendants. (Attachments: # 1 Exhibit A (Walter Affidavit), # 2 Exhibit B (Killian Affidavit with Pearson depo testimony attached), # 3 Exhibit C (Clauson depo transcript excerpts), # 4 Exhibit D (Sullivan depo transcript excerpts), # 5 Exhibit E (Ferreira Affidavit))(Quinan, Robert) (Entered: 11/10/2010)

Nov. 10, 2010

Nov. 10, 2010

PACER

ELECTRONIC NOTICE issued requesting courtesy copy for 32 Opposition to Motion and supporting exhibits. Counsel who filed this document are requested to submit a courtesy copy of this document (or documents) to the Clerk's Office by Tuesday, November 16, 2010. These documents must be clearly marked as a Courtesy Copy and reflect the document number assigned by CM/ECF. (Finn, Mary)

Nov. 10, 2010

Nov. 10, 2010

PACER
33

MOTION to Correct 30 Memorandum in Support of Motion, (Motion to File Corrected Version of Reply Memorandum in Support of Defendants' Motion to Dismiss Complaint) by All Defendants. (Attachments: # 1 Corrected Version -- Reply Memorandum, # 2 DCF Policy # 86-011)(Spector, Amy) (Entered: 11/16/2010)

Nov. 16, 2010

Nov. 16, 2010

PACER
34

NOTICE of Appearance by Rachel Brodin Nili on behalf of All Plaintiffs (Nili, Rachel) (Entered: 11/16/2010)

Nov. 16, 2010

Nov. 16, 2010

PACER
35

MOTION for Leave to File Sur-Reply Memorandum by All Plaintiffs. (Attachments: # 1 Exhibit Sur-Reply Memorandum of Law in Opposition to Defendants' Motion to Dismiss)(Bartosz, Sara) (Entered: 11/16/2010)

Nov. 16, 2010

Nov. 16, 2010

PACER

Judge Michael A Ponsor: ELECTRONIC ORDER entered granting 33 Motion for leave to Correct Reply Memorandum; granting 35 Motion for Leave to File Document ; Counsel using the Electronic Case Filing System should now file the document for which leave to file has been granted in accordance with the CM/ECF Administrative Procedures. Counsel must include - Leave to file granted on (date of order)- in the caption of the document. (Finn, Mary)

Nov. 17, 2010

Nov. 17, 2010

PACER
36

REPLY to Response to 17 MOTION to Dismiss As to the Governor, 18 MOTION to Dismiss Under Rule 12(b)(1) and 12(b)(6) (Corrected Version) filed by All Defendants. (Attachments: # 1 DCF Policy # 86-011)(Spector, Amy) (Entered: 11/17/2010)

Nov. 17, 2010

Nov. 17, 2010

PACER
37

MOTION for Leave to File Reply in Support of Class Certification by All Plaintiffs. (Attachments: # 1 Reply Memorandum in Support of Class Certification, # 2 Affidavit of Sara Michelle Bartosz, # 3 Exhibit A, # 4 Exhibit B, # 5 Exhibit C, # 6 Exhibit D, # 7 Exhibit E, # 8 Exhibit F)(Bartosz, Sara) (Entered: 11/17/2010)

Nov. 17, 2010

Nov. 17, 2010

PACER

Judge Michael A Ponsor: ELECTRONIC ORDER entered granting 37 Motion for Leave to File Document ; Counsel using the Electronic Case Filing System should now file the document for which leave to file has been granted in accordance with the CM/ECF Administrative Procedures. Counsel must include - Leave to file granted on (date of order)- in the caption of the document. COURTESY COPY OF this document and the supporting exhibits is requested to be mailed to the Clerk's Office by Friday, November 18, 2010, if possible. Please note on the document that this is a courtesy copy. (Finn, Mary)

Nov. 18, 2010

Nov. 18, 2010

PACER
38

SUR-REPLY to Motion re 18 MOTION to Dismiss Under Rule 12(b)(1) and 12(b)(6) (Leave to file granted on 11/17/2010) filed by All Plaintiffs. (Bartosz, Sara) (Entered: 11/18/2010)

Nov. 18, 2010

Nov. 18, 2010

PACER
39

REPLY to Response to 2 MOTION to Certify Class and Appointment of Class Counsel MOTION to Appoint Counsel (Leave to File Granted 11/18/10) filed by All Plaintiffs. (Persky, Jonathan) (Entered: 11/18/2010)

Nov. 18, 2010

Nov. 18, 2010

PACER
40

AFFIDAVIT re 39 Reply to Response to Motion of Sara Bartosz by All Plaintiffs. (Attachments: # 1 Exhibit A, # 2 Exhibit B, # 3 Exhibit C, # 4 Exhibit D, # 5 Exhibit E, # 6 Exhibit F)(Persky, Jonathan) (Entered: 11/18/2010)

Nov. 18, 2010

Nov. 18, 2010

PACER

ELECTRONIC Clerk's Notes for proceedings held before Judge Michael A Ponsor: Motion Hearing held on 11/23/2010 re 17 MOTION to Dismiss As to the Governor filed by Deval L. Patrick, 2 MOTION to Certify Class and Appointment of Class Counsel MOTION to Appoint Counsel 18 MOTION to Dismiss Under Rule 12(b)(1) and 12(b)(6) filed by All Defendants. Court takes matter under advisement. (Court Reporter: Alice Moran at 413-731-0086.)(Attorneys present: Lowry, Ryan, Barosz, Quinan, Spector) (Pelegano, Theresa)

Nov. 23, 2010

Nov. 23, 2010

PACER
41

Transcript of Motion Hearing held on November 23, 2010, before Judge Michael A. Ponsor. The Transcript may be purchased through the Court Reporter, viewed at the public terminal, or viewed through PACER after it is released. Court Reporter Name and Contact Information: Alice Moran at 413-731-0086 Redaction Request due 12/28/2010. Redacted Transcript Deadline set for 1/7/2011. Release of Transcript Restriction set for 3/7/2011. (Folan, Karen) (Entered: 12/07/2010)

Dec. 7, 2010

Dec. 7, 2010

PACER
42

NOTICE is hereby given that an official transcript of a proceeding has been filed by the court reporter in the above-captioned matter. Counsel are referred to the Court's Transcript Redaction Policy, a copy of which is attached to this entry. (Folan, Karen) (Entered: 12/07/2010)

Dec. 7, 2010

Dec. 7, 2010

PACER
43

Judge Michael A Ponsor: MEMORANDUM AND ORDER entered. As follows: Defendant Patricks Motion to Dismiss (Dkt. No. 17 ) and Defendants Motion to Dismiss(Dkt No. 18 ) are hereby DENIED in their entirety. Due to time constraints, the hearing on the Motions to Dismiss left inadequate time for argument regarding Plaintiffs pending Motion for Class Certification (Dkt. No. 2). The clerk will set a date for further argument on this motion. See the attached memo and order for complete details. (Lindsay, Maurice) (Entered: 01/04/2011)

Jan. 4, 2011

Jan. 4, 2011

RECAP

ELECTRONIC NOTICE Setting Hearing on Motion 2 MOTION to Certify Class and Appointment of Class Counsel MOTION to Appoint Counsel : Motion Hearing set for 2/4/2011 09:30 AM in Hampden Courtroom before Judge Michael A Ponsor. (Pelegano, Theresa)

Jan. 5, 2011

Jan. 5, 2011

PACER
44

MOTION for Extension of Time to February 11, 2011 to File Answer by All Defendants.(Killian, Bryan) (Entered: 01/07/2011)

Jan. 7, 2011

Jan. 7, 2011

PACER
45

NOTICE of Appearance by Bryan G. Killian on behalf of All Defendants (Killian, Bryan) (Entered: 01/07/2011)

Jan. 7, 2011

Jan. 7, 2011

PACER

Judge Michael A Ponsor: ELECTRONIC ORDER entered granting 44 Motion for Extension of Time to Answer re 1 Complaint, Judyann Bigby answer due 2/11/2011; Angelo McClain answer due 2/11/2011; Deval L. Patrick answer due 2/11/2011. (Finn, Mary)

Jan. 10, 2011

Jan. 10, 2011

PACER

ELECTRONIC Clerk's Notes for proceedings held before Judge Michael A Ponsor: Counsel appear for Motion Hearing held on 2/4/2011 re 2 Plaintiffs' MOTION to Certify Class and Appointment of Class Counsel. Arguments heard. Matter taken under advisement with order to issue. (Court Reporter: Alice Moran at 413-731-0086.)(Attorneys present: Ryan, Bartosz, Lowry, Quinan, Spector) (Healy, Bethaney)

Feb. 4, 2011

Feb. 4, 2011

PACER
46

Transcript of Motion Hearing held on February 4, 2011, before Judge Michael A. Ponsor. The Transcript may be purchased through the Court Reporter, viewed at the public terminal, or viewed through PACER after it is released. Court Reporter Name and Contact Information: Alice Moran at 413-731-0086 Redaction Request due 3/4/2011. Redacted Transcript Deadline set for 3/14/2011. Release of Transcript Restriction set for 5/12/2011. (Scalfani, Deborah) (Entered: 02/11/2011)

Feb. 11, 2011

Feb. 11, 2011

PACER
47

NOTICE is hereby given that an official transcript of a proceeding has been filed by the court reporter in the above-captioned matter. Counsel are referred to the Court's Transcript Redaction Policy, a copy of which is attached to this entry.. (Scalfani, Deborah) (Entered: 02/11/2011)

Feb. 11, 2011

Feb. 11, 2011

PACER
48

ANSWER to 1 Complaint, by All Defendants.(Tran, Liza) (Entered: 02/11/2011)

Feb. 11, 2011

Feb. 11, 2011

PACER
49

Judge Michael A. Ponsor: MEMORANDUM AND ORDER entered. As follows: Plaintiffs Motion to Certify Class and Appoint Class Counsel (Dkt No. 2 ) is hereby ALLOWED. This case is now referred to Magistrate Judge Kenneth P. Neiman for a pretrial conference pursuant to Fed. R. Civ. P. 16. See the attached memo and order for complete details. (Lindsay, Maurice) (Entered: 02/28/2011)

Feb. 28, 2011

Feb. 28, 2011

RECAP

Judge Michael A. Ponsor: ELECTRONIC ORDER entered. REFERRING CASE to Magistrate Judge Kenneth P. Neiman Referred for: Full Pretrial, No Dispositive Motions (ptn). Further information: for full pretrial case management, a rule 16 scheduling conference, no dispositve motions.(Lindsay, Maurice)

Feb. 28, 2011

Feb. 28, 2011

PACER
50

NOTICE of Scheduling Conference ISSUED, cc:cl. Scheduling Conference set for 3/30/2011 at 10:00 AM in Hampshire Courtroom before Magistrate Judge Kenneth P. Neiman; joint statement and LR 16.1 cert by 3/24/11. (Healy, Bethaney) (Entered: 03/01/2011)

March 1, 2011

March 1, 2011

PACER
51

JOINT SUBMISSION pursuant to Local Rule 16.1 by All Parties. (Attachments: # 1 Exhibit 16.1(D)(3) Cert - Connor B., # 2 Exhibit 16.1(D)(3) Cert - Adam S., # 3 Exhibit 16.1(D)(3) Cert - Camila R., # 4 Exhibit 16.1(D)(3) Cert - Andre S., # 5 Exhibit 16.1(D)(3) Cert - Rakeem D.)(Nili, Rachel) (Entered: 03/24/2011)

March 24, 2011

March 24, 2011

PACER
52

CERTIFICATION pursuant to Local Rule 16.1 . (Tran, Liza) (Entered: 03/24/2011)

March 24, 2011

March 24, 2011

PACER
53

CERTIFICATION pursuant to Local Rule 16.1 . (Tran, Liza) (Entered: 03/24/2011)

March 24, 2011

March 24, 2011

PACER
54

CERTIFICATION pursuant to Local Rule 16.1 . (Tran, Liza) (Entered: 03/24/2011)

March 24, 2011

March 24, 2011

PACER

ELECTRONIC Clerk's Notes for proceedings held before Magistrate Judge Kenneth P. Neiman: Scheduling Conference held on 3/30/2011. Scheduling order to issue. (Court Reporter: Digital Recording.) (Stuckenbruck, John)

March 30, 2011

March 30, 2011

PACER
55

CERTIFICATION pursuant to Local Rule 16.1 . (Borten, Laurence) (Entered: 03/30/2011)

March 30, 2011

March 30, 2011

PACER
56

CERTIFICATE OF SERVICE pursuant to LR 5.2 by All Plaintiffs re 55 Certification pursuant to Local Rule 16.1. (Borten, Laurence) (Entered: 03/30/2011)

March 30, 2011

March 30, 2011

PACER
57

NOTICE of Appearance by Jason B. Barshak on behalf of All Defendants (Barshak, Jason) (Entered: 03/30/2011)

March 30, 2011

March 30, 2011

PACER
58

NOTICE of Appearance by Liza J. Tran on behalf of All Defendants (Tran, Liza) (Entered: 03/30/2011)

March 30, 2011

March 30, 2011

PACER
59

Magistrate Judge Kenneth P. Neiman: SCHEDULING ORDER ENTERED, cc:cl. All fact discovery, including no more than 20 non-expert depos per side, compl by 3/30/12; Ps' expert discl by 5/15/12; Ds' expert discl by 6/29/12; expert depos compl by 7/31/12; Case Management Conference set for 8/3/2012 at 2:00 PM in Hampshire Courtroom before Magistrate Judge Kenneth P. Neiman; Ds' S/J motion due 8/24/11; Ps' opp to Ds' motion by 9/14/12, with Ds' reply by 9/21/12; hearing on any S/J motions set for 10/10/12 at 2:00 p.m. before District Judge Michael A. Ponsor; Final Pretrial Conference set for 11/28/2012 at 2:00 PM in Hampden Courtroom before District Judge Michael A. Ponsor; Jury Trial set for 1/7/2013 at 9:00 AM in Hampden Courtroom before District Judge Michael A. Ponsor. (Healy, Bethaney) (Entered: 04/04/2011)

April 4, 2011

April 4, 2011

PACER
60

Judge Michael A. Ponsor: PROCEDURAL ORDER re pretrial/trial ENTERED, cc:cl. (Healy, Bethaney) (Entered: 04/04/2011)

April 4, 2011

April 4, 2011

PACER
61

NOTICE of Appearance by Jeffrey T. Collins on behalf of All Defendants (Collins, Jeffrey) (Entered: 05/03/2011)

May 3, 2011

May 3, 2011

PACER
62

Joint MOTION for Protective Order by Judyann Bigby, Angelo McClain, Deval L. Patrick. (Attachments: # 1 Exhibit 1- Protective Order)(Tran, Liza) (Entered: 06/16/2011)

June 16, 2011

June 16, 2011

PACER

Magistrate Judge Kenneth P. Neiman: ELECTRONIC ORDER entered granting 62 Motion for Protective Order. Order to issue. (Neiman, Kenneth)

June 17, 2011

June 17, 2011

PACER
63

Magistrate Judge Kenneth P. Neiman: ORDER entered. PROTECTIVE ORDER entered.(Finn, Mary) (Entered: 06/17/2011)

June 17, 2011

June 17, 2011

PACER
64

Assented to MOTION FOR ENTRY OF ORDER APPOINTING NEXT FRIENDS by All Plaintiffs. (Attachments: # 1 Text of Proposed Order)(Bartosz, Sara) (Entered: 07/01/2011)

July 1, 2011

July 1, 2011

PACER

Magistrate Judge Kenneth P. Neiman: ELECTRONIC ORDER entered granting 64 Plaintiffs' Unopposed Motion For Entry of Order Appointing Next Friends. Order to enter. (Neiman, Kenneth)

July 5, 2011

July 5, 2011

PACER
65

Magistrate Judge Kenneth P. Neiman: ORDER Appointing Next Friend, ENTERED, cc:cl. (Healy, Bethaney) (Entered: 07/07/2011)

July 7, 2011

July 7, 2011

PACER
66

MOTION for Order to to Decertify the Plaintiff Class by All Defendants. (Quinan, Robert) Modified on 9/7/2011 to delete the memorandum that was an attachment and to docket it separately (Finn, Mary). (Entered: 09/06/2011)

Sept. 6, 2011

Sept. 6, 2011

PACER
67

MOTION to Stay Discovery pending ruling re 66 MOTION for Order to to Decertify the Plaintiff Class (Stay Class-Based Discovery Pending Ruling on Motion to Decertify) by All Defendants. (Attachments: # 1 Affidavit of James Dehnke in Support of Defendants' Motion to Stay Class-Based Discovery Pending a Ruling on their Motion to Decertify the Plaintiff Class)(Quinan, Robert) Modified on 9/7/2011 to correct the text. (Finn, Mary). (Main Document 67 replaced on 9/7/2011 with correct signed main document) (Finn, Mary). (Entered: 09/06/2011)

Sept. 6, 2011

Sept. 6, 2011

PACER
68

MEMORANDUM in Support re 66 MOTION for Order to to Decertify the Plaintiff Class filed by All Defendants. (Finn, Mary) (Entered: 09/07/2011)

Sept. 6, 2011

Sept. 6, 2011

PACER
69

NOTICE of Withdrawal of Appearance of Susan Lambiase filed. (Finn, Mary) (Entered: 09/15/2011)

Sept. 15, 2011

Sept. 15, 2011

PACER
70

MEMORANDUM in Opposition re 66 MOTION for Order to to Decertify the Plaintiff Class filed by Connor B., Rakeem D., All Plaintiffs, Camila R., Adam S., Andre S., Seth T.. (Attachments: # 1 Exhibit A)(Nili, Rachel) (Entered: 09/21/2011)

Sept. 21, 2011

Sept. 21, 2011

PACER
71

Opposition re 67 MOTION to Stay re 66 MOTION for Order to to Decertify the Plaintiff Class (Stay Class-Based Discovery Pending Ruling on Motion to Decertify) MOTION to Stay re 66 MOTION for Order to to Decertify the Plaintiff Class (Stay Class-Based Discovery Pending Ruling on Motion to Decertify) MOTION to Stay re 66 MOTION for Order to to Decertify the Plaintiff Class (Stay Class-Based Discovery Pending Ruling on Motion to Decertify) Plaintiffs' Memorandum of Law in Opposition to Defendants' Motion to Stay Discovery filed by Connor B., Rakeem D., All Plaintiffs, Camila R., Adam S., Andre S., Seth T.. (Attachments: # 1 Exhibit A, # 2 Exhibit B, # 3 Exhibit C)(Borten, Laurence) (Entered: 09/21/2011)

Sept. 21, 2011

Sept. 21, 2011

PACER

ELECTRONIC NOTICE Setting Hearing on Motion 66 MOTION for Order to to Decertify the Plaintiff Class, 67 MOTION to Stay re 66 MOTION for Order to to Decertify the Plaintiff Class (Stay Class-Based Discovery Pending Ruling on Motion to Decertify) MOTION to Stay re 66 MOTION for Order to to Decertify the Plaintiff Class (Stay Class-Based Discovery Pending Ruling on Motion to Decertify) MOTION to Stay re 66 MOTION for Order to to Decertify the Plaintiff Class (Stay Class-Based Discovery Pending Ruling on Motion to Decertify) : Motion Hearing set for 10/12/2011 12:00 PM in Hampden Courtroom before Judge Michael A. Ponsor. (Pelegano, Theresa)

Oct. 3, 2011

Oct. 3, 2011

PACER

ELECTRONIC Clerk's Notes for proceedings held before Judge Michael A. Ponsor: Motion Hearing held on 10/12/2011 re 66 MOTION for Order to to Decertify the Plaintiff Class filed by All Defendants, 67 MOTION to Stay re 66 MOTION for Order to to Decertify the Plaintiff Class (Stay Class-Based Discovery Pending Ruling on Motion to Decertify) MOTION to Stay re 66 MOTION for Order to to Decertify the Plaintiff Class (Stay Class-Based Discovery Pending Ruling on Motion to Decertify) MOTION to Stay re 66 MOTION for Order to to Decertify the Plaintiff Class (Stay Class-Based Discovery Pending Ruling on Motion to Decertify) filed by All Defendants. Order to issue.(Court Reporter: Alice Moran at 413-731-0086.)(Attorneys present: Gleason, Lowry,Quinan, Tran) (Pelegano, Theresa)

Oct. 12, 2011

Oct. 12, 2011

PACER
72

Transcript of Motion Hearing held on October 12, 2011, before Judge Michael A. Ponsor. The Transcript may be purchased through the Court Reporter, viewed at the public terminal, or viewed through PACER after it is released. Court Reporter Name and Contact Information: Alice Moran at 413-731-0086 Redaction Request due 11/8/2011. Redacted Transcript Deadline set for 11/18/2011. Release of Transcript Restriction set for 1/17/2012. (Scalfani, Deborah) (Entered: 10/18/2011)

Oct. 18, 2011

Oct. 18, 2011

PACER
73

NOTICE is hereby given that an official transcript of a proceeding has been filed by the court reporter in the above-captioned matter. Counsel are referred to the Court's Transcript Redaction Policy, a copy of which is attached to this entry.. (Scalfani, Deborah) (Entered: 10/18/2011)

Oct. 18, 2011

Oct. 18, 2011

PACER
74

MOTION for Leave to Appear Pro Hac Vice for admission of Jessica Elyse Polansky Filing fee: $ 50, receipt number 0101-3635203 by Connor B., Rakeem D., Camila R., Adam S., Andre S., Seth T.. (Attachments: # 1 Affidavit Affidavit of Jessica Elyse Polansky)(Nili, Rachel) (Entered: 10/20/2011)

Oct. 20, 2011

Oct. 20, 2011

PACER

Judge Michael A. Ponsor: ELECTRONIC ORDER entered granting 74 Motion for Leave to Appear Pro Hac Vice Added Jessica Elyse Polansky. Attorneys admitted Pro Hac Vice must register for electronic filing. To register go to the Court website at www.mad.uscourts.gov. Select Case Information, then Electronic Filing (CM/ECF) and go to the CM/ECF Registration Form. (Finn, Mary)

Oct. 20, 2011

Oct. 20, 2011

PACER

Case Details

State / Territory: Massachusetts

Case Type(s):

Child Welfare

Special Collection(s):

Post-WalMart decisions on class certification

Multi-LexSum (in sample)

Key Dates

Filing Date: April 15, 2010

Closing Date: 2014

Case Ongoing: No

Plaintiffs

Plaintiff Description:

All children who have been (or will be) placed in the custody of the Massachusetts Department of Children and Families as a result of a state juvenile court order.

Plaintiff Type(s):

Private Plaintiff

Attorney Organizations:

Children's Rights, Inc.

Public Interest Lawyer: Yes

Filed Pro Se: No

Class Action Sought: Yes

Class Action Outcome: Granted

Defendants

Massachusetts Department of Children and Families, State

Defendant Type(s):

Jurisdiction-wide

Case Details

Causes of Action:

42 U.S.C. § 1983

Adoption Assistance and Child Welfare Act of 1980 (AACWA), 42 U.S.C. §§ 620 et seq.

Constitutional Clause(s):

Due Process

Available Documents:

Trial Court Docket

Complaint (any)

Non-settlement Outcome

Any published opinion

Outcome

Prevailing Party: Defendant

Nature of Relief:

None

Source of Relief:

Litigation

Amount Defendant Pays: $0

Issues

General:

Classification / placement

Family abuse and neglect

Family reunification

Foster care (benefits, training)

Individualized planning

Neglect by staff

Parents (visitation, involvement)

Pattern or Practice

Relative caretakers

Siblings (visitation, placement)

Medical/Mental Health:

Dental care

Medical care, general

Mental health care, general

Benefit Source:

Adoption Assistance and Child Welfare Act

Medicaid