Former LA County Inmates File Action Over Treatment Of Mentally Ill Prisoners

LOS ANGELES (AP) — A group of homeless and mentally ill former inmates of Los Angeles County jails are blasting a settlement between the federal government and the county, saying it perpetuates the cycle between Skid Row and jail cells.

The group is filing a motion to intervene in the case Monday, arguing that the Department of Justice settlement fails to address the needs of mentally ill prisoners.

The action seeks to modify the Sept. 3 settlement to beef up provisions requiring the county to provide inmates with access to medical and mental health services.

The attorneys who represent the homeless people say the current requirements under the settlement fall far short of what's necessary.

Spokespeople for the Justice Department and the county were reviewing the action for possible comment.

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