Jefferson County Department of Pensions & Security v. State Department of Mental Health

WRIGHT, Presiding Judge.

In March 1979, by order of the Family Court of Jefferson County, Ramona Shad-dix, a minor, was committed to the care, custody and control of the State Department of Mental Health and Mental Retardation (Mental Health). Ramona had previously been adjudicated dependent and was, immediately prior to the foregoing order, in the care, custody and control of the Shelby County Department of Pensions and Security (DPS).

Shortly after her admission into Mental Health’s Bryce Hospital, Ramona’s condition began to improve markedly. Because of this improvement, the hospital’s staff…