Document: 389 U.S. 416 88 S.Ct. 526 19 L.Ed.2d 647 Betty DAMICO et al.v.CALIFORNIA al. No. 629, Misc. Decided Dec. 18, 1967. George F. Duke, for appellants. Thomas C. Lynch, Atty. Gen. of California, and Richard L. Mayers Elizabeth Palmer, Deputy Attys. Gen., appellees. PER CURIAM. 1 The motion leave to proceed in forma pauperis is granted. 2 Appellants, welfare claimants under California Welfare Institutions Code §§ 11250, 11254, regulation C—161.20 thereunder, sought damages, a declaratory judgment unconstitutionality temporary permanent injunctive relief this suit the Civil Rights Act, 42 U.S.C. § 1983, 28 1343. Their complaint alleges that statute are discriminatory appellees, administering them applying appellants, deprived appellants equal rights secured by United States Constitution. three-judge District Court dismissed solely because 'it appear(ed) all plaintiffs (had) failed exhaust adequate administrative remedies.' This was error. In McNeese v. Board Education, 373 668, 83 1433, 10 622, noting one purposes underlying Act 'to provide remedy federal courts supplementary any State might have,' id., at 672, 1435 we held 'relief may not be defeated first state law which provided (an administrative) remedy,' 671, S.Ct., 1435. See Monroe Pape, 365 167, 180—183, 81 473, 480—482, 5 492. We intimate no view upon merits appellants' allegations nor other grounds passed Court. 3 Northern reversed, case remanded further proceedings consistent with opinion. 4 It so ordered. Judgment reversed directions. 6 Mr. Justice HARLAN, dissenting. 7 California's Aid Families Dependent Children program provides assistance mothers children rendered destitute through desertion or separation from fathers children. requires that, unless divorce has been filed, least three months' duration before AFDC aid will 8 Appellants were informed social worker having they could receive end three-month period; then brought declaration requirement violated Federal Court, without reaching question whether it should 'abstain' pending appropriate relief, merits, on ground had 'adequate 9 plenary consideration stating its reasons, now reverses Court's dismissal, citing 622. McNeese, Negro students, seeking alleged school racial segregation, did have pursue certain remedies available bringing their action. Although I time do fully understand opinion McNeese,* net result as see right assert, court, officials acted manner depriving plaintiff clear constitutional delayed interposition intentionally unintentionally inadequate discrimination. If correct description exhaustion problem bears little relation here. created pursuant provisions Social Security 49 Stat. 627, 601 seq. Government pays major share cost aid, 603, return closely supervises both how shall administered what those who complaints about operation. Each receiving (which includes California) must formulate submit Secretary Health, Welfare, his approval, plan operation program. 602. particular, 'aid families dependent * furnished reasonable promptness eligible individuals,' 602(a)(9), 'provide granting fair hearing agency (whose creation required separate provision, 602(a)(3)) individual whose claim denied promptness.' 602(a)(4). approved apparently procedure. 11 simply ignores highly successful federal-state working relationship Congress area. these funds involves only questions law, but also propriety statutory law. For determination specified forum instance. Today's holding, made benefit briefs oral argument skimpy record, 1983 used bypass 602 disservice important statutes. 12 would affirm below. source my difficulty compound occasional use language broader than necessary warranted facts majority viewed them, own disagreement majority's facts. 492, an joined, declared complaining unlawful search seizure sue court notwithstanding availability similar That say engaged course dealing orderly procedures established review action members individually stage. prevailing view, disagreed circumstances, vindication rights. Reading interpreted where inadequate, (and) remedy, though theory, practice," U.S., 1435, concluded '(w)hen subject such tenuous protection, prior resort proceeding necessary.' Id., 676, 1438. also, however, attributed establishment principle 'supplementary' have. mean there can person continue deal fashion, matter there. meant say, dictum gratuitous sense compelled incorrect interpretation Monroe.

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