NCJ Number
131883
Date Published
1990
Length
52 pages
Annotation
This case study involving services for violent and severely disturbed children in North Carolina raises issues and questions that are relevant whenever child advocates seek major social change through litigation.
Abstract
In 1978, North Carolina did not have adequate services for emotionally disturbed children. A class action lawsuit was subsequently brought against the State for failure to provide adequate treatment for such children. The actual complaint was filed in 1979, and the case was settled in 1980. In the course of litigation, the sitting judge effectively identified the need for services for violent and severely disturbed children in North Carolina. The media viewed the issue sympathetically and continued to cover it during litigation and program implementation. Plaintiffs' lawyers were knowledgeable and experienced, creative in defining the class action and legal claims, and resourceful in finding experts to advise and assist them. Since case settlement, the State has committed over $100 million to services for violent and emotionally disturbed children. The system for delivering services to these children has been restructured so that it now considers each child's individual needs. Local mental health agencies and case managers have 30 days to develop a plan for each child and another 30 days to implement the plan. The parties involved in the North Carolina case recognized that litigation was the only way to obtain necessary services. It is pointed out, however, that litigation can be expensive, difficult, time-consuming, unpredictable, and unpopular.