The 1971 court case Wyatt v. Stickney ruled that people who are involuntarily committed to state institutions because of mental illness or developmental disabilities hold the right to be given treatments which would give them the best chance at returning to society. Thus, the case ensured the humane treatment of people with developmental disabilities. Wyatt v. Stickney also created a minimum standard of care for rehabilitation institutions to follow. The court decided on three conditions which must be present to satisfy the requirements of care: a humane psychological and physical environment, qualified staff in sufficient numbers to administer treatment, and individualized treatment plans.
Reference:
Wyatt v. Stickney. (n.d.) Disability Justice. Retrieved November 17, 2021 from https://disabilityjustice.org/wyatt-v-stickney/.