July 21, 2010

U. S. Department of Justice Statement of Interest in Napper v. County of Sacramento

On July 21,2010, the U. S. Department of Justice (DOJ) said that California?s Sacramento County?s plan to change its outpatient mental health program would create a reduction in services and increase the risk of institutionalization for county residents with mental health disorders who are eligible for Medi- Cal. The county had planned to offer outpatient care at county clinics instead of through private community treatment programs and also planned close the centers that had provided outpatient treatment services for more than 5,000 people. The DOJ?s statement was issued on behalf of the plaintiffs in Napper v. County of Sacramento, a class action lawsuit filed May 6, 2010, to block the county from implementing the planned changes. This report contains the court proceedings for the Napper vs. County of Sacramento case.