Ocean S. v. County of Los Angeles

This brief was filed in support of Plaintiffs to affirm the district court’s ruling that the Younger abstention should extend no further than the three exceptional circumstances set forth by the Supreme Court. The brief explains that the affirmance of the district court’s order will permit Plaintiffs, youth poised to transition out of the foster care system, to redress serious injuries caused by Defendants’ failure to provide safe and suitable foster care placements for youth. Specifically, Defendants failed to provide appropriate placements for youth with disabilities, in violation of the youths’ civil rights. The brief goes on to emphasize the integral role of federal courts in protecting civil rights for the most vulnerable populations, as well as ensuring the health and accountability of public systems such as the foster care system. Finally, the brief outlines why dependency courts cannot provide the necessary relief – further underscoring the necessity of the district court’s ruling and the continued, integral role of the federal courts in civil rights litigation like this case.

This brief was filed in support of Plaintiffs to affirm the district court’s ruling that the Younger abstention should extend no further than the three exceptional circumstances set forth by the Supreme Court. The brief explains that the affirmance of the district court’s order will permit Plaintiffs, youth poised to transition out of the foster care system, to redress serious injuries caused by Defendants’ failure to provide safe and suitable foster care placements for youth. Specifically, Defendants failed to provide appropriate placements for youth with disabilities, in violation of the youths’ civil rights. The brief goes on to emphasize the integral role of federal courts in protecting civil rights for the most vulnerable populations, as well as ensuring the health and accountability of public systems such as the foster care system. Finally, the brief outlines why dependency courts cannot provide the necessary relief – further underscoring the necessity of the district court’s ruling and the continued, integral role of the federal courts in civil rights litigation like this case. The Ninth Circuit affirmed the District Court, clearing the path for the case to proceed in federal court.