Bridges v. Sandstrom

(S.D. Fla., J. Hoeveler)

We participated as amicus curiae in a long-standing suit challenging the treatment of persons with mental illness (often homeless persons) in the Dade County jail system. Our nationally recognized experts prepared a short-term plan which was adopted by the Court and implemented by Defendant Dade County to improve conditions. $945,000 was allocated for implementation of the expert's short-term plan. An additional $350,000 was allocated for a total increase in staff, which more than doubled existing staff. Additionally, defendants completed necessary renovations on the floor that housed many of our clients. Defendants approved the most significant recommendation of our expert on diversion, which will steer homeless persons with mental illness away from the jail to housing in the community and help them negotiate the criminal system. Co-counsel was Advocacy Center for Persons With Disabilities (now Disability Rights Florida).