Settlement of the long-running Jeff D. lawsuit over children’s mental health care in Idaho was announced today by the state Department of Health & Welfare. The settlement agreement calls for an eight-year series of actions designed to provide a statewide, community-based system to serve the needs of children with serious emotional disturbances and their families. “This settlement outlines a plan for Idaho to create an effective and meaningful system of care,” said Howard Belodoff, attorney for the children in the lawsuit that first was filed in 1980. “When successfully implemented, the agreement will lead to children throughout the state having access to a comprehensive array of mental health services and supports in their own homes and communities.”

The lawsuit first was filed over adults and children with mental illness being co-mingled at State Hospital South, a situation that was rife with abuse. In anticipation of the settlement, lawmakers this year allocated up to $615,000 for plaintiff attorney fees in the case, to ensure the state could cover the costs without dipping directly into funding for children’s mental health services.

Gov. Butch Otter said, “I’m proud of our people. I’m proud of the processes and priorities they have put in place. And I’m very pleased that their hard work and determination has brought us to this day. The Jeff D. case has been part of Idaho’s political and public policy landscape for decades. Changing cultures and overcoming tough challenges often takes time, but we understand that realizing success will mean a continuing commitment to upholding the letter and spirit of this agreement.” There’s more info here.