Memorandum Opinion & Order In The Case Of A.A., B.B., C.C. v. Buckner

On February 3, 2026, the U.S. District Court for the Middle District of Alabama, Northern Division published this memorandum opinion and order in the case of A.A., B.B., C.C., et al., v. Bucker. Under the order, the state must:

When appropriate, place children in community-based and family-like placements, including kinship care and therapeutic foster care, while capping congregate care at no more than 7% of children in state custody.

Institute standardized assessments for children at risk of placement in a psychiatric residential treatment facility (PRTF) requiring physician certification of need in 95% of cases . . .