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California Plans to Appeal Federal Court’s Decisions Requiring Continued Federal Oversight of State Prisons

The State of California plans to appeal a federal court’s decision that denied the State’s request to reduce federal oversight of California’s prisons.  California prisons were put under federal oversight in 1995 in response to inmates’ lawsuits claiming that California prisons were so crowded that conditions reached unconstitutional levels. The State says it has spent $1.2 billion improving mental health care in its prisons over the last three years and argued that this progress was indicative of why it should be allowed to take back some control of the prisons.  The State also requested that it not be required to comply with the court’s order to reduce prison overpopulation from 150% of capacity to 137.5% by the end of 2013.  A federal court recently found federal oversight was still necessary; however, and refused the State’s request not to comply with the year-end population reduction.¹ 

On May 13, 2013, California filed a Notice of Appeal of the three-judge district court’s order to the US Supreme Court.  The State claims the court did not fairly consider evidence that California’s prison health care “now exceeds constitutional standards.”² 

PWDF Profile

Who We Are

People With Disabilities Foundation is an operating 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization based in San Francisco, California, which focuses on the rights of the mentally and developmentally disabled.

Services

Advocacy: PWDF advocates for Social Security claimant's disability benefits in eight Bay Area counties. We also provide services in disability rights, on issues regarding returning to work, and in ADA consultations, including areas of employment, health care, and education, among others. There is representation before all levels of federal court and Administrative Law Judges. No one is declined due to their inability to pay, and we offer a sliding scale for attorney's fees.

Education/Public Awareness: To help eliminate the stigma against people with mental disabilities in society, PWDF's educational program organizes workshops and public seminars, provides guest speakers with backgrounds in mental health, and produces educational materials such as videos.

Continuing Education Provider: State Bar of California MCLE, California Board of Behavioral Sciences Continuing Education, and Commission of Rehabilitation Counselor Certification.