We’re takin’ the mystery out of disability history!
Disability Network Southwest Michigan is pleased to bring you Disability Q&A to test your knowledge of disability-related topics. We post questions on Facebook and provide a link for you to check the answer and learn more about each topic.
Q: What important legislation was passed in 1980 protecting the rights of people in state institutions?
A: The Civil Rights of Institutionalized Peoples Act (CRIPA)
The Civil Rights of Institutionalized Peoples Act (CRIPA) was enacted into law in 1980. CRIPA provides a process for the Department of Justice to protect the rights of those individuals who are in the care of state institutions, including state and locally operated jails and correctional facilities, public nursing homes, mental health facilities and institutions for individuals with intellectual disabilities. The law allows the attorney general to intervene on behalf of institutionalized people whose rights may be oppressed. This law was enacted to ensure the safety of those individuals who may feel uncomfortable reporting issues of abuse in these government run institutions.
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