Federal Court Hearing Sept. 16 Could Test RI's Compliance With DD Consent Decree
The status of Rhode Island’s compliance with a federal consent decree mandating integration of adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities is scheduled to go before U.S. District Court Judge John J. McConnell, Jr., on Sept. 16. In response to McConnell’s active involvement in the case, which began in January, high-ranking state officials have begun an intense effort to lay the groundwork for compliance with the consent decree, which was signed in April, 2014. On May 18 of this year, McConnell issued an order that held the state to numerous deadlines in July and August. Whether the state has made sufficient progress over the summer may become clear during the upcoming review of the case in open court. Prior to the Sept. 16 court session, the U.S. Department of Justice and the independent court monitor can be expected to file written reports with the judge on their view of compliance issues, which they’ve done in the past.