“It is welcome news if this actually results in findings where there are violations of the law with regard to the inappropriate use of seclusion and restraint.” Bazelon Center senior staff attorney, Lewis Bossing, was quoted in the Washington Post article, “Betsy DeVos takes aim at improper restraint of students with disabilities.” On Thursday, the U.S. Education Department said it will work with schools to reduce incidents of improper restraint and seclusion of students with disabilities - a rare agency effort to take a more active role in oversight after repeated efforts to roll back Obama-era rules in other areas. Read the full article here: wapo.st/2FKTg5s?tid=ss_tw&utm_term=.15df2cc1d734 ... See MoreSee Less

3 days ago  ·  

Dear Friend of the Bazelon Center,

My name is Julia Garrison and I joined the Judge David L. Bazelon Center for Mental Health Law in September as the fourth David and Mickey Bazelon Fellow. This fellowship is awarded every two years to a Georgetown Law School graduate. Before I started law school, I knew that I wanted a career in civil rights litigation. I am thrilled to get my start at the Bazelon Center fighting for the civil rights, full inclusion and equality of children and adults who live with mental disabilities.

I am writing to you introduce myself, share my newcomer insights, and ask you to support the Bazelon Center by making a financial contribution of $75, $150, $500, $1,000, $2,500, $5,000 or more.

As you know, the Bazelon Center is a non-profit 501(c)3 organization that has a comprehensive approach to its civil rights work. The Center works across systems including education, health care, employment, housing, community services and criminal justice.

One of the main reasons why I applied for this fellowship is because the Bazelon Center's work helps all Americans with mental disabilities, especially the most disenfranchised. As I researched opportunities, I learned that many non-profits focus narrowly on either litigation or policy, or even a single statute. At the Bazelon Center, we think creatively about the methods most likely to achieve long-lasting systemic change for people with mental disabilities. I've already been a part of fascinating discussions where we consider how to solve problems through a combination of litigation, policy advocacy, public education, and other efforts. It's an exciting and unique opportunity for a young lawyer like me to engage in creative lawyering.

A great example of the Bazelon Center's work is a case I'm working on, M.J. v. District of Columbia. In August, the Bazelon Center sued the District of Columbia for its appalling treatment of children and their families. For decades, the District has denied children needed mental health services. As a result, they cycle in and out of psychiatric hospitals, do poorly in school, and often end up in jail. Many are sent to institutions far from home where they receive little care. If they had services in their own homes and schools, these children could stay with their families and communities and thrive.

This case has the potential to make a profound impact, breaking a toxic cycle of mistreatment and despair and giving hope for a different future. We've accomplished similar feats through our work in other places. You can read more about the case on our website.

For over 45 years the Center has been able to count on people like you. Please consider making a financial contribution. It's easy to become disillusioned, but I am one of the next generation of lawyers learning, working hard, and fighting to preserve all of the progress that we've made over the past four decades and imagining new ways to advance the rights of people with mental disabilities.

Thanks in advance for your continued support. ... See MoreSee Less

3 weeks ago  ·