Case: CRIPA Investigation, Helena (MT)

No Court Case | No Court

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Case Summary

On June 30, 1992, the U.S. Department of Justice initiated an investigation of the Mountain View School for Girls pursuant to the Civil Rights of Institutionalized Persons Act (CRIPA), 42 U.S.C. § 1997. The investigation occurred on November 9-10, 1992 and the Justice Department issued its findings letter on February 26, 1993. The Department of Justice concluded that certain conditions at the detention center deprived the girls detained there of their constitutional rights. The investigation re…

On June 30, 1992, the U.S. Department of Justice initiated an investigation of the Mountain View School for Girls pursuant to the Civil Rights of Institutionalized Persons Act (CRIPA), 42 U.S.C. § 1997. The investigation occurred on November 9-10, 1992 and the Justice Department issued its findings letter on February 26, 1993. The Department of Justice concluded that certain conditions at the detention center deprived the girls detained there of their constitutional rights. The investigation revealed that the mental health services were deficient, that juveniles with disabilities were not properly evaluated or provided with appropriate educational services in violation of the Individuals with Disabilities Educational Act, and that the discipline system in place gave the staff unbridled discretion, which resulted in the placement of children with self-destructive behavior in seclusion and the use of mechanical restraints under circumstances that did not justify their use. Additionally, the investigation revealed that the environment in the building was unsafe and unsanitary as a result of the inadequate maintenance, fire safety risks, and the threat of food-borne illnesses. The detention center also required additional staff, and adequate training for the existing staff.

The Department of Justice required that remedial measures be taken to ensure that the constitutional rights of the juveniles were no longer violated. The measures suggested were the development and implementation of a mental health care delivery system, the compliance with the Individuals with Disabilities Educational Act, the modification of the disciplinary policies and procedures, the elimination of unsafe and unsanitary conditions, and the enhancement of professional resources.

We have no additional information on this investigation, or any communications or proceedings that may have followed.

Summary Authors

Kristen Sagar (11/8/2007)

People


Attorney for Plaintiff

Turner, James P. (District of Columbia)

Expert/Monitor/Master/Other

Mazurek, Joseph (Montana)

Poppler, Doris Swords (Montana)

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Documents in the Clearinghouse

Document

Findings Letter re: Mountain View School for Girls, Helena, Montana

CRIPA Investigation

Feb. 26, 1993

Feb. 26, 1993

Findings Letter/Report

Docket

Last updated Aug. 30, 2023, 2:32 p.m.

Docket sheet not available via the Clearinghouse.

Case Details

State / Territory: Montana

Case Type(s):

Juvenile Institution

Special Collection(s):

Civil Rights Division Archival Collection

Key Dates

Case Ongoing: No

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

State of Montana, State

Mountain View School for Girls (Helena), None

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: Unknown

Nature of Relief:

Unknown

Source of Relief:

Unknown

Issues

General:

Classification / placement

Disciplinary procedures

Education

Fire safety

Food service / nutrition / hydration

Restraints : physical

Sanitation / living conditions

Jails, Prisons, Detention Centers, and Other Institutions:

Confinement/isolation

Disciplinary segregation

Discrimination-basis:

Disability (inc. reasonable accommodations)

Affected Sex or Gender:

Female

Medical/Mental Health:

Mental health care, general

Type of Facility:

Government-run