Feds to investigate whether S.C. ‘unnecessarily’ institutionalizes people with mental illnesses

CHARLESTON, SC (WCSC) – Officials with the U.S. Department of Justice’s Civil Rights Division announced Wednesday that they have opened an investigation under the Americans with Disabilities Act to determine whether the state of South Carolina subjects adults with mental illness to unnecessary institutionalization and the risk of institutionalization in adult residences.

According to Justice Department officials, the investigation will examine whether South Carolina unnecessarily segregates people with mental illness into adult care homes, known to the state as community residential care centers, by failing to provide integrated mental health services based In the community.

Before announcing the investigation, the department said it informed the governor’s office and the attorney general’s office about the investigation.

“Too often, people with disabilities have been illegally isolated in institutions, including state psychiatric hospitals and residences for adults,” said Assistant Attorney General Kristen Clarke of the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division. “The Civil Rights Division will continue to advocate for the rights of people with mental illness to access the community services they need and to participate fully in community life.”

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