DOJ Files Complaint Against Mississippi

JACKSON, Miss. (WCBI) — The state of Mississippi is at odds again with the Department of Justice.

The DOJ has filed a complaint against the state alleging Mississippi is failing to provide adults with mental illness the necessary services.

The complaint also states the state is forcing individuals with mental illness into hospitals to seek services.

The DOJ says it has tried to reach a settlement with the state to resolve the violations, but has been unable to reach an agreement.

In a statement Thursday afternoon, Mississippi Attorney General Jim Hood says his office refused to accept the federal government’s demands for a court-ordered consent decree that would bind the state to perpetual federal oversight.