Judge ends Maine's
Pineland consent decree
The Associated Press
AUGUSTA — A federal judge has formally ended a court order that has governed services for 1,500 people with mental disabilities in Maine over a period of more than 30 years.
U.S. District Justice George Singal today terminated the Pineland consent decree, which dates to 1978. The decree led to the closing of the state-run Pineland Center, along with de-institutionalization and improved services for adults with developmental disabilities.
Attorney General Janet Mills says lawyers for the remaining 750 plaintiffs who'd lived in Pineland wanted to continue the decree. But Mills contended the state has met its obligations.
In his order, Singal found that the state was in substantial compliance with the decree and had mechanisms in place to ensure it's followed in the future.
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3 COMMENTS
UofA said...
Sure they will. As long as Democrats control this State, nothing can be believed. Even liberals have to remember how many times the legislators have robbed Peter to pay Paul because of their spending frenzies! They shift the funds around from Dept. to Dept. in order to cook the books. If they did this in a real job, they would be before a Judge.
March 19, 2010 at 7:33 PM Report abuse
freeportland said...
Woo Hoo U of A, I say you are correct! I worked at Pineland center & Hospital back in the early 70's when things where coming around & changing (for the better). Some scary stories were heard from the old days ... Nuff said.
March 19, 2010 at 8:18 PM Report abuse
wellwood85 said...
Well, closing places like Pineland has brought us the legions of homeless and crazy bums wandering Congress St, stabbing people and making all kinds of trouble...(our new friends from abroad, aside.) Are they, or we better off? I doubt it...Some people are better off in institutions, and I don't need, or want, bums harrassing me for spare change outside every storefront, every day. Call me "mean spirited," but I'm ready to bring back loitering laws. Get these bums off the streets!
March 19, 2010 at 10:12 PM Report abuse