U.S. Justice Dept launches probe of Oklahoma’s mental health services

Nov 17 (Reuters) – The U.S. Justice Division on Thursday launched a probe into whether or not Oklahoma, Oklahoma Metropolis and town’s police division discriminate towards individuals who have psychological well being disabilities within the provision of behavioral care providers.

The investigation will study if Oklahoma violates federal legislation, together with the People with Disabilities Act (ADA), by counting on psychiatric establishments to serve adults with behavioral well being points moderately than counting on community-based providers provided to others, Assistant Lawyer Basic Clarke stated at a information convention.

The ADA requires state and native governments to offer folks with disabilities equal entry to packages and providers.

As well as, the division will look into how Oklahoma Metropolis responds to emergency calls that contain a psychological well being disaster and if metropolis police observe ADA requirements on the scene of such calls.

“We’ll consider whether or not the state of Oklahoma’s failure to offer community-based providers for folks with behavioral well being disabilities in Oklahoma County ends in pointless institutionalization and pointless police contact,” Clarke stated.

The investigation got here after a discrimination criticism was filed with the company, in line with a senior Justice Division official.

Reporting by Tyler Clifford; Enhancing by Tim Ahmann

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