Law

This section will bring you the latest developments in the law related to the mental health system and juvenile justice. You will find information about recent court decisions or class action lawsuits impacting children and adolescents.

We will feature articles written by members of the legal community involved with public interest law as it affects children and adolescents in need of services from the mental health or other child serving systems.

• Getting Medical Assistance for a Child (under 21) with a Severe Disability, Mental Illness or Behavioral Disorder under the "loophole"
• Planning for Children with Serious Emotional Disturbance: Merging System of Care Principals with Civil Rights Law
• The Behavioral Support Obligations explores when and to what extent a school district can rely on Medicaid funded wraparound mental health services for students with disabilities for whom it has an obligation to provide a free appropriate public education.
• Use of Restraint and Seclusion in Psychiatric Residential Treatment Facilities, a Medical Assistance Bulletin in effect as of July 20, 2001.
• Kellner settlement agreement makes clear that, when 1:1 support is needed for a student with an emotional disability to be safely maintained in school, or to make progress in the school program, the Philadelphia School District must guarantee that the service is provided, without cost to the student or the family.
• Medical Assistance and SSI Eligibility, an update of Medical Assistance (MA) and SSI eligibility written by David Gates, Pennsylvania Health Law Project
• Kirt K, Class Action Lawsuit Filed to Improve Access to Wrap-Around Services, written by Rachel Mann, Esquire of the Disabilities Law Project in Philadelphia.

Parents Involved Network (PIN), a project of
Mental Health Association of SE PA
1211 Chestnut Street, 11th Floor
Philadelphia, PA 19107
215-751-1800 or 800-688-4226
Email: law@pinofpa.org