A Goodreads user asked T. Greenwood:

what was the actual case that "Keeping Lucy" was based on?

T. Greenwood Hi! There will be an Author's Note in the finished copy of the book that goes into greater depth. But basically, Willowridge is based on the Belchertown State School for the Feebleminded in Belchertown, MA which was revealed in a local paper's 1971 exposé to be little more than a dumping ground for the mentally and physically disabled. As a result, the parents of many of the residents were galvanized to file a class action lawsuit against the school. Sadly, this institution was only one of many which exhibited such deplorable living conditions. Belchertown was eventually (after many years) shut down. Ginny and Marsha (and Lucy) were inspired by my research into this bit of history.

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