Civil Rights of Institutionalized Persons Act (CRIPA)

The Civil Rights of Institutionalized Persons Act (CRIPA) was passed in 1980 to protect the rights of people in state and locally-run nursing homes, mental health facilities, institutions for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities and correctional facilities for youth and adults.

The Special Litigation Section in the U.S. Department of Justice’s Civil Rights Division is responsible for investigating and enforcing CRIPA.

Visit the Cases and Matters section to learn more about the results of investigations at various facilities, lawsuits filed in CRIPA cases, settlements and court decisions.