Guardians of disabled sue state over moves

OLYMPIA – Guardians for five developmentally disabled adults forced to move from a state-run school that was being downsized sued the state Department of Social and Health Services on Wednesday, arguing that their relocation from the place where they had spent much of their lives has caused them emotional distress.

The suit, filed in King County Superior Court, does not cite the amount of damages sought, but asks that the money be paid into a trust for the care, treatment and therapy of each of the plaintiffs.

The plaintiffs, who suffer from mental retardation, among other conditions, were among more than 50 people moved in 2004 from Fircrest School in northern King County to other institutions or group homes, including the Rainier School in Pierce County. They were not allowed to appeal the move, which was made over the objections of their guardians.

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