[JURIST] A judge for the US District Court for the District of Columbia [official website] on Tuesday dismissed [order, PDF] a four-decade class action lawsuit against Washington DC over the treatment of intellectually and developmentally disabled individuals housed at Forest Haven institution. The named plaintiff in the case, Joy Evans, died of aspiration pneumonia [LAT report] from inadequate medical treatment. In dismissing the suit, Judge Ellen Huvelle stated [WAMU report] that “though much is left to be done, it is not necessary for this court to remain a supervisor any longer” of the institution in Maryland for the mentally disabled. During the hearing, attorneys and advocates spoke of the progress that has occurred since the initial complaint was filed against Forest Haven in 1972.

Two years after the initial complaint [text, PDF], a federal judge ordered Forest Haven closed. The complaint alleged that residents were often over-medicated causing further mental deterioration. Patients were restrained for extended periods of time without mental stimulation and doors were often locked for long periods without reason. Residents were beaten or sexually abused by staff and their peers. Tiff Evans, one of the residents, was treated for an ulcerated skin condition caused by being restrained on a urine-covered mattress for hours. While the purpose of Forest Haven was to treat and educate residents, the patients received virtually no treatment or education.