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The Bazelon Center for Mental Health Law and Disability Rights California recently announced a settlement with a California‐based school district that will result in improved services and inclusive programs for special education students with disabilities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article discusses the court case M.J. v. District of Columbia wherein the district has allegedly violated the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) law for failure to provide the integrated setting in children with mental health disabilities. Full potential needed by the children, their families and communities was prevented. Development of mental health system for intensive community-based services in children, is also demanded by the plaintiffs.

The article discusses the U.S. Supreme Court's issue on whether to take precautions with mental illness cases regarding law enforcement. Topics include a description of the amicus brief submitted by several disability and mental health rights group to the Supreme Court, an overview of several cases where mental health-related recommendations are filed by several law entities, and the weakening protection and rights for persons with mental illnesses.

The article discusses the 15th anniversary of the Olmstead v. L.C. Supreme Court Decision, a ruling which upheld Title II of the Americans with Disabilities Act. The anniversary on June 22, 2014 stressed the need for greater integration of people with disabilities into the community. Also mentioned are Senator Tom Harkin's introduction of the Community Integration Act on June 24, 2014, and a roundtable discussion exploring further action towards full integration at the same time.

The article discusses a court case wherein Disability Advocates Inc. accused New York State of segregating people with mental illness in adult homes. The advocacy group claimed that adult homes in the state lack the staff, resources or mandate to provide integrated housing and services to promote community living. The Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit ruled that the group did not have the standing to bring the case against the state.

The article reports on the opposition of New Hampshire's attorney general Michael Delaney and Health and Human Services Commissioner Nick Toumpas to the findings of the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) on the allegations of violating the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). In a letter sent to DOJ, Delaney and Toumpas said that they are already working to implement changes to its mental health system. They said that the state has made progress in its plan to expand its services and programs.

The article discusses the possibility that New Hampshire might be charged by the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) of violating the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). It says that the potential lawsuit might follow after a DOJ report found alleged inadequacies in the state's mental health system. Meanwhile, the proposed state budget of the House of Representatives will cut mental health care reimbursements.

The article discusses a court case filed in the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Kentucky by Americans Civil Liberties Union (ACLU), the Children's Law Center and Dinsmore & Shohl against the Kenton County deputy sheriff on allegations defendant violated two elementary school children's civil rights in Kentucky with attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder under the Americans with Disability Act. The children were hancuffed on their biceps contrary to the safe use of handcuffs.

The article reports on the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) report accusing North Carolina of unnecessary institutionalizing patients with mental illnesses which violates the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). It states that the death of four adult care home residents and the complaint of the Disability Rights North Carolina filed in July 2010 have prompted the investigation. Disability Rights Director of Litigation John Rittelmeyer said that Georgia has the same case with the state.

The article reports on the settlement agreement between the state of Georgia and the U.S. Department of Justice concerning mental health care reform. It mentions that the segregation of persons with mental illness and developmental disabilities in psychiatric hospitals is a violation of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA); thereby, prompting the state to cease all admissions to mental hospitals. It also notes that the reform aims to have a community-based setting; rather than isolation.

The article offers news briefs in the U.S. related to mental health care. In Kansas, the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) campaigns to entice voters to vote for an amendment to the state constitution during a referendum slated on November 2, 2010. A class action lawsuit is brought against California after it eliminated funding for a mental health program. The American College of Mental Health Administration (ACMHA) invites applicants for its College for Behavioral Health Leadership.