NC disability rights group files federal complaint

RALEIGH, N.C. (AP) - A disability rights group has filed a federal complaint charging that North Carolina children in private psychiatric facilities did not receive proper educational services.

The nonprofit Disability Rights NC is asking the U.S. Department of Education to investigate.

The complaint filed last week with the federal agency follows an investigation by the nonprofit group and law student from the University of North Carolina who interviewed patients at a treatment facility in Charlotte. The group's previous complaints have resulted in changes at a North Carolina school for the deaf and at facilities for adults with mental illnesses and the elderly.

The Associated Press left messages for officials with the U.S. Education Department and the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services that were not immediately returned Tuesday morning.