Federal Judge Extends Court Oversight Of Minnesota Developmental Disability System

On September 3, 2014, a federal judge extended court oversight for two more years due to the slow pace of Minnesota’s efforts to reform its services for individuals with developmental disabilities. The order concerns the Minnesota Department of Human Services (DHS) compliance with the 2011 settlement agreement in a class action lawsuit, Jensen v. DHS, filed by residents of a state-run facility for individuals with developmental disabilities. The agreement called for DHS to reduce the use of physical restraints with facility residents, and to help residents move from institutional settings to less restrictive placements integrated in the community . . .