Former LA County jail inmates file lawsuit over post-release help

LOS ANGELES (KABC) -- A group of former Los Angeles County jail inmates, mentally ill and homeless, is taking legal action to stop what it calls the practice of cycling the mentally ill between Skid Row and the county jails without giving them medical and psychiatric help.

"We need something to prep people before release. Without that, they're lost," said Derrick Thomas.

Thomas is a former Army first sergeant who served two tours during the Persian Gulf War. He's had a difficult time ever since, going back and forth between jail and Skid Row since 2009.

Thomas is part of a group of eight homeless and mentally ill former inmates of the L.A. County jail system who say a recent settlement between the county and the Department of Justice, that is supposed to provide help after release, isn't doing enough.

"We are seeking intervention today, so that we can break the cycle once and for all," said attorney Mark Rosenbaum.

On Monday, lawyers representing the group filed a motion to intervene and demand changes to the agreement.

"By its terms it's not clear that there is any discharge planning available to people with dementia, developmental disabilities, substance abuse disorders or certain types of personality disorders," said attorney Emily Murphy.

"The protocol of the settlement for discharged planning consists of nothing more than handing out a referral list of service providers and a prescription for medication when needed," said Rosenbaum.

Rosenbaum adds the service providers in many cases have no capacity to assist the mentally disabled on Skid Row.

According to Public Counsel, there are 50,000 homeless living in L.A. Out of that, 1/3 live on Skid Row, and 60 percent of those are mentally ill.

Thomas hopes the proper support system will break the cycle of jail and Skid Row.

"It would actually alleviate a lot of homelessness because we would have somewhere to go, participate and continue on through therapy," said Thomas.