MEMPHIS, Tenn. (AP) -- The Department of Justice and the state of Tennessee have agreed on how to resolve the 22-year legal fight over a Memphis area center for the developmentally disabled.
U.S. Attorney Edward Stanton said Thursday the agreement outlines steps the state will take to help former patients of Arlington Developmental Center. The federal government filed legal action in 1991 over abuse and mistreatment of people confined there. The state closed the center in 2010.
The agreement requires the state to expand community-based services, help former patients now in nursing homes to move into community settings and support those who want to find jobs.
The settlement says the case will be closed if the state completes the plan by Dec. 31.
U.S. District Judge Jon McCalla must approve the plan.
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