Delaware Prison Officials Settle Class Action Lawsuit Over Solitary Confinement Of Offenders With Mental Illness

On August 6, 2016, the Delaware Department of Correction (DOC) agreed to a settlement calling for improvement in how the DOC handles solitary confinement of offenders with mental illness. Specifically, the DOC significantly limit the length of time that can be served in disciplinary housing at all DOC prisons. Further, the agreement includes language to support increased behavioral health, additional security staffing, and the creation of a new treatment center at James T. Vaughn Correctional Center in Smyrna.

The settlement resolves a class-action lawsuit, Community Legal Aid Society, Inc. v. Coupe & Delaware Department Of Corrections, filed on August . . .