Class Action Litigation
Class Action Litigation
Welcome to DRRI’s Class Action Litigation Updates page. This page provides updates on the progress, developments, and outcomes of class actions DRRI is currently involved in. Stay informed about how we are working to make a difference through collective legal action.
J. "E." L. v. Charest
Press Releases
November 13, 2024 – Advocates Sue the State of Rhode Island Over Failure to Provide Mental Health Care for Medicaid-Eligible Children
Providence, RI – Following years of glaring failures in Rhode Island’s behavioral health system for children and youth, Disability Rights Rhode Island, the American Civil Liberties Union of Rhode Island, and Children’s Rights today filed a class action lawsuit against the State for denying Medicaid-eligible children and youth their right to appropriate mental health care.
To continue reading or download a copy of this press release click here.
Complaint
November 13, 2024 – Complaint Filed in U.S. District Court in J. “E.” L. v. Charest
To read or download a copy of the filed complaint click here.
Fact Sheets
November 13, 2024 – Fact Sheet on Deficiencies In Rhode Island’s Provision of Mental Health Care to Medicaid-Eligible Children Taken from Complaint Filed in U.S. District Court in J. “E.” L. v. Charest
To read or download a copy of this Fact Sheet click here.
December 11, 2024 – Fact Sheet for parents regarding the complaint that was filed in U.S. District Court in J. “E.” L. v. Charest.
Liberty v. RIDOC
Press Releases
May 11, 2022 – DRRI Statement on the Death of Charlene Liberty
Providence, RI – Charlene Liberty was a client of Disability Rights Rhode Island and the lead plaintiff in the class action lawsuit, Liberty v. Rhode Island Department of Corrections. Charlene Liberty, a mother, daughter, and sister, tragically passed away at 38 after facing severe struggles in institutional settings. Her death highlights the failures of the system meant to protect vulnerable individuals. Disability Rights Rhode Island vows to honor her memory by advocating for compassionate mental health services and community support.
To continue reading or download a copy of this press release click here.
May 19, 2020 – Liberty v. RIDOC
Providence, RI – On October 25, 2019, Disability Rights Rhode Island and partners filed a federal lawsuit against the Rhode Island Department of Corrections, alleging violations of constitutional rights and the Americans with Disabilities Act. The suit challenges the use of solitary confinement for prisoners with serious mental illness and seeks to ensure equal access to prison programs and services.
To continue reading or download a copy of this press release click here.
October 25, 2019 – Statements from Press Conference Participants
Providence, RI – This document highlights statements made during a news conference addressing the harmful practice of placing prisoners with mental illness in solitary confinement. Key figures from Disability Rights Rhode Island (DRRI), the ACLU, and other organizations discuss the inhumane effects of solitary confinement, its detrimental impact on individuals with mental health conditions, and the need for systemic change to ensure humane treatment and access to recovery services.
To continue reading or download a copy of this press release click here.
October 25, 2019 – Information on Organization Involved in Class Action
Providence, RI – This document provides an overview of the organizations involved in the lawsuit against the Rhode Island Department of Corrections. The organizations involved highlight their efforts to challenge solitary confinement practices and protect the rights of incarcerated individuals, especially those with mental health disabilities.
To continue reading or download a copy of this press release click here.
October 25, 2019 – Information About Named Plaintiffs
Providence, RI – This document provides information about the named plaintiffs in a lawsuit against the Rhode Island Department of Corrections. The plaintiffs are individuals with serious mental illness (SPMI) who have suffered from the harmful effects of solitary confinement.
To continue reading or download a copy of this press release click here.
Complaint
October 25th, 2019 – Complaint Filed in U.S. District Court in Liberty V. RIDOC
To read or download a copy of the filed complaint click here.
K.L. v. RICESE
Press Releases
May 19, 2020 – K.L. v RICESE
DRRI represents plaintiffs in K.L. v. RICESE, where Rhode Island was found to violate the IDEA by not providing special education services to students with disabilities between ages 21 and 22. DRRI joined to determine compensatory education services and help find a solution for future services for affected students.