Spartanburg, S.C. – Federal Government Sues State Over Care for Mentally Ill
The Justice Department has initiated a lawsuit against South Carolina, accusing the state of violating the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). The lawsuit claims South Carolina is unnecessarily segregating adults with mental illnesses by placing them in adult care homes, instead of providing essential community-based services.
Key Details of the Lawsuit
According to the Justice Department, federal law requires that services for adults with mental illnesses be given in the most integrated settings possible. This requirement stems from the Supreme Court’s ruling in Olmstead v. L.C., which supports community integration for people with disabilities. The lawsuit reveals that more than 1,000 adults with mental illnesses have been segregated in such care facilities for extended periods, with new individuals entering these homes every month.
Statements from the Justice Department
Kristen Clarke, an assistant attorney general in the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division, emphasized the importance of this issue. “People with disabilities in South Carolina can and must be able to receive services in their own homes, rather than being isolated in institutions,” she stated. The overall objective of this lawsuit is to push the state to expand its community-based services for mentally ill adults.
Response from South Carolina Officials
A spokesperson for Governor Henry McMaster expressed surprise at the lawsuit, suggesting that the current administration’s healthcare strategy has created confusion. Brandon Charochak indicated that the Justice Department, referred to as a “lame-duck” agency, rushed to file the lawsuit during the last days of the Biden Administration instead of working collaboratively with state agency leaders.
Challenges in South Carolina’s Healthcare System
Charochak criticized the state’s healthcare framework for being “fractured,” pointing out inefficiencies in non-cabinet agencies that he described as unaccountable. He added that McMaster has plans to address these issues in his upcoming State of the State address, where he will urge the General Assembly to restructure the state’s Department of Mental Health and the Department of Disabilities and Special Needs to be under direct supervision. “It’s time for someone to be responsible and accountable for these agencies at the ballot box,” he asserted.
The Broader Implications
This lawsuit highlights ongoing concerns about the treatment of adults with mental illnesses and the need for inclusive healthcare approaches. The push for community-based services aligns with a larger national conversation about improving care for individuals with disabilities. By enforcing the ADA, the federal government aims to advocate for the rights of individuals to live independently in their communities.
Looking Ahead
As the case develops, the spotlight remains on South Carolina’s response and efforts to improve its mental health services. Community advocates are hopeful that this lawsuit could lead to significant improvements in the state’s treatment of individuals with mental illnesses, allowing them to live more fulfilling lives within their communities rather than in segregated settings.
Author: STAFF HERE MYRTLE BEACH
The HERE Myrtle Beach Staff Writers are a collaborative team of journalists, editors, and local contributors passionate about delivering accurate, timely information to the Myrtle Beach community. As part of the HEREcity.com Network, which powers over 100 U.S. city sites including HEREcolumbia.com, our staff draws on collective experience in South Carolina journalism to cover everything from business sales and real estate developments to dining deals and community initiatives. Our Expertise and Background Local Roots in Myrtle Beach Our team includes lifelong Myrtle Beach residents and SC natives with deep knowledge of the area’s history, economy, and culture. We’ve covered key events like the recent developments along the Grand Strand, Myrtle Beach’s tourism and hospitality industry, and growth in local education sectors (e.g., Coastal Carolina University programs). Collective Experience With over 50 combined years in journalism, our staff has backgrounds in print, digital media, and community reporting. We prioritize fact-based stories, drawing from sources like the Myrtle Beach Area Chamber of Commerce, city government records, and on-the-ground interviews. Commitment to Quality Every article is a group effort, involving research, editing, and verification to ensure reliability. We adhere to journalistic standards, citing credible sources and updating content as new details emerge.
