BATON ROUGE, La., Jan. 12 (UPI) -- The Justice Department will require Louisiana to correct civil rights abuses at two state-operated schools for the developmentally disabled.
Federal officials Monday filed an agreement with the state in U.S. District Court in Baton Rouge aimed at improving conditions at the Pinecrest Developmental Center and Hammond Developmental Center.
Federal investigators said they found "credible evidence" that residents were repeatedly physically and verbally abused. Recently, police arrested some Pinecrest staff workers on charges of abusing residents.
Outgoing Gov. Mike Foster and other state officials cooperated in negotiating the agreement, which requires improvements to meet the basic needs of residents and provide a safe and humane environment, Justice officials said.
"The protection and support of people with developmental disabilities is of paramount importance," said R. Alexander Acosta, assistant U.S. attorney general for civil rights.
Under the terms of the agreement, an independent expert will monitor the state's compliance with the agreement and issue public reports over the next three years. The federal court must approve the federal-state pact.
