Interim Settlement Improves Crisis Services for Children

DRM, The National Health Law Program, Mantese Honigman, P.C., and John Conway, P.C.  filed suit against the State of Michigan on behalf of thousands of children with disabilities who were not receiving crisis intervention services. The parties recently reached an interim settlement agreement in which the state assumes responsibility for planning a system that is child-centered and family-driven, team-based, home- and community-based, and culturally relevant, and carries with it a full range of support services based on statewide assessment and screening. An implementation plan outlining the steps that will be taken to meet the responsibilities outlined in the Interim Agreement is due to be completed by the end of December, 2020. “This is a tremendous first step towards achieving positive change in the way we provide mental and behavioral health services to individuals under the age of 21 in Michigan,” said Kyle Williams, Litigation Director for DRM. “There is a lot of work ahead to reach the goals set out in the Interim Agreement. DRM is excited to have the opportunity to participate in that effort.”