The U.S. Justice Department has filed a lawsuit against South Carolina, claiming the state is unnecessarily segregating adults with mental illnesses in adult care homes. The department says this violates the Americans with Disabilities Act and the Supreme Court’s decision in Olmstead v. L.C. South Carolina was previously notified of civil rights violations in a 23-page report. The state Department of Mental Health was surprised by the findings and emphasized efforts to address the issues. The Justice Department insists that individuals with disabilities should receive services in their own homes, rather than being isolated in institutions. Community-based services like supported employment and housing are recommended to support individuals in their communities. The lawsuit alleges that South Carolina’s failure to provide these services results in over 1,000 adults with mental illness being forced into adult care homes indefinitely. The Department of Justice is committed to ensuring that individuals with disabilities can leave institutions and participate fully in community life.
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