FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
November 15, 2024
Historic Settlement Reached in Briggs v. Friesen: A Victory for Individuals with Serious Mental Illness in the Oklahoma Justice System
[Oklahoma City, Oklahoma] – The Oklahoma Disability Law Center, Inc. (ODLC) is proud to announce a historic settlement in the class action lawsuit Briggs v. Friesen, a case that highlights the urgent need for reform in how Oklahoma addresses mental health competency evaluations and restoration services for individuals with serious mental illness in the justice system.
The plaintiffs in this case are individuals with severe mental illnesses who were forced to languish in jails for months or even years without appropriate mental health treatment while awaiting competency restoration services. This settlement is a critical step in addressing these systemic issues and ensuring that individuals with mental health needs are treated with the dignity and care they deserve.
“This agreement signifies a meaningful step forward in ensuring timely mental health competency restoration services for individuals with severe mental illness who are navigating the justice system,” said Brian Wilkerson, Class Counsel and Director of Litigation and Legal Services for ODLC. “Together, we are hopeful that these improvements will create a more compassionate, effective, and just system that better serves those requiring mental health support in Oklahoma.”
The settlement outlines significant commitments from the state to improve the timeliness and quality of mental health competency evaluations and restoration services. These changes are expected to positively impact countless lives by reducing unnecessary jail time, increasing access to mental health treatment, and fostering a more just legal process for individuals with serious mental health conditions.
Nick Southerland, Staff Attorney at ODLC said, “ODLC applauds this landmark agreement as a collaborative effort between advocates and state partners to address systemic inequities in the justice system. Moving forward, ODLC is committed to ensuring the agreement is implemented effectively and that its promise of meaningful reform becomes a reality.”
For more information about the Briggs v. Friesen settlement or ODLC’s ongoing efforts to advocate for individuals with disabilities in Oklahoma, please contact:
RoseAnn Duplan
Policy and Communications Specialist
Oklahoma Disability Law Center, Inc.
Phone: 405-409-5781
Email: roseann@okdlc.org