In the News
DLC Investigates Inappropriate Restraint of Juvenile During Transfer to Anchorage for Psychiatric Care.
August 24, 2010
Anchorage - In August 2009 the Disability Law Center of Alaska (DLC) became aware of concerns regarding the transport of a juvenile from Juneau to Anchorage for psychiatric treatment. Of primary concern was that the juvenile was shackled in a waist belt and handcuffs and escorted from Juneau to Anchorage by two security guards even though he posed no threat to himself or his escorts; actions that seemed completely contrary to the State of Alaska’s policy for the transport of psychiatric patients. DLC initiated an investigation. Upon investigating the matter, DLC found a lack of communication and understanding among the various mental health providers regarding how to get the juvenile to Anchorage for psychiatric care. Additionally, the misuse of state commitment procedures by Bartlett Hospital and Juneau Alliance for Mental Health, Inc. exacerbated the situation ultimately leading to the juvenile’s secured transport.. DLC’s final report on the matter can be found here.
- Update: You can find Bartlett Regional Hospital's response to DLC's investigative report here.
- Update: JAMHI has requested that all questions regarding this report be directed to: Lynch & Associates, P.C.; 425 G Street, Suite 420; Anchorage, AK 99501 ph. 907-276-3222
DLC and ACLU Challenge State’s Denial of Right to Parole Review
June 28, 2010
Anchorage - The Disability Law Center of Alaska (DLC) and the American Civil Liberties Union of Alaska Foundation (ACLU) have filed suit against the State of Alaska, Department of Corrections seeking to enforce the right of Alaska prisoners with mental illness to be considered for parole. See the full news release here.
Law firm to examine eviction of North Pole seniors
April 2, 2010
FAIRBANKS -- A nonprofit law firm that serves as a watchdog for disabled residents says it will examine the reasons behind the state's shutdown of a North Pole assisted-living facility. See the full story from the Anchorage Daily News here.
State evicts seniors from North Pole home
April 2, 2010
FAIRBANKS — A nonprofit law firm has opened another investigation of Forget Me Not Senior Care Homes’ closure.
The Disability Law Center of Alaska, a watchdog for disabled residents, announced it will look into the reasons behind the state’s shutdown of the North Pole assisted-living facility. See the full story from the Fairbanks Daily News-Miner here.
Assisted living home closure spurs independent investigation.
April 1, 2010
ALASKA – The Disability Law Center of Alaska (DLC) has launched an investigation into the Forget Me Not Senior Home Centers in North Pole, Alaska to determine whether abuse and/or neglect of the assisted living center’s residents has occurred. The investigation was set in motion immediately on the heels of the Fairbanks Daily News-Miner which reported Friday’s (3-26-10) abrupt closure of the facility. Download the full press release and related information here.
See 2009 Archives for older news stories.