Impact Litigation

On February 22, 2007, MHP filed a class action lawsuit, Messiah S. v. Alexander, challenging the lack of pre-release services, also known as discharge planning, for people with psychiatric disabilities being released from New York State prisons. Pre-release services are meant to help prisoners transition back into the community by connecting them to treatment, medications, housing, and public benefits. Without these supportive services, many individuals decompensate, become homeless, and eventually return to jail. We estimate that there are currently more than 6,000 individuals either awaiting release to New York City or on parole who should have received these pre-release services.

Pro bono co-counsel: Cravath, Swaine & Moore LLP
Co-counsel: The Legal Aid Society