Federal lawsuit claims South Carolina fails to support mental health independence

In Columbia, South Carolina, the U.S. federal government initiated a lawsuit against the state, arguing that it has not sufficiently transitioned individuals with serious mental illnesses from institutional group homes into community-based living arrangements. Filed in a recent court session, the lawsuit asserts violations of the Americans with Disabilities Act, claiming the state has made monetary and policy decisions that perpetuate the confinement of mentally ill individuals in group settings where they lack basic personal freedoms, such as choosing their meals, roommates, or participating in community activities. A previous lawsuit in 2016 had already flagged these concerns, and after a comprehensive investigation, the Justice Department provided a detailed report in May 2023, expressing ongoing concerns about the treatment of these individuals and the need for systemic changes. Additionally, federal investigators documented the experiences of several residents, revealing a widespread desire for independence, hampered by significant barriers like lack of transportation and financial stability. The report highlighted the bleak outlook for many individuals residing in these facilities, with statements from insiders indicating a pervasive sense of entrapment reminiscent of institutional care of the past. For many residents, mental health crises have compounded with financial difficulties, inhibiting their ability to secure basic needs like housing and employment assistance. As federal officials stress the necessity for community services that foster independence rather than confinement, the case exemplifies an urgent call for reform to ensure that people with disabilities are integrated into society rather than isolated in group homes.