USDOJ Commends NC’s Progress in Community Inclusion for Mental Illness

North Carolina’s Progress in Community Inclusion for Mental Health Recognized by USDOJ

In a significant development today, the United States Department of Justice (USDOJ) and the State of North Carolina have jointly requested a federal court to end its supervision of the Transition to Community Living (TCL) settlement agreement. This move reflects the substantial compliance and progress North Carolina has achieved in integrating people with severe and persistent mental illness (SPMI) and serious mental illness (SMI) into community living.

Overseen by the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services (NCDHHS) since 2012, the TCL has seen steady investments in strengthening support infrastructures for people with SPMI and SMI. This commitment aligns with the principles of the Olmstead decision, aiming to maintain accessible and high-quality services for individuals with disabilities.

“This development underscores the need to continue the important work to ensure people with disabilities can lead healthy and safe lives,” stated Governor Josh Stein. “I appreciate the department’s and General Assembly’s ongoing efforts and renewed commitment to inclusive community living.”

NC Health and Human Services Secretary Dev Sangvai emphasized the long-standing mission of providing timely and appropriate services, saying, “As the U.S. Department of Justice recognized, this work is essential, and we must maintain it. I want to be clear that our commitment to community living is not contingent on a settlement agreement. North Carolina will remain a place where everyone can thrive in the setting that is right for them.”

The TCL program offers people with SPMI/SMI the opportunity to transition from state psychiatric hospitals and adult care homes to community living. It is a crucial element of North Carolina’s Olmstead Plan, which advocates for community inclusion across various disabilities and disorders. The program supports housing, community services, employment, and community integration.

More than 4,150 individuals currently live in stable, community-integrated housing thanks to TCL, and over 6,700 have been diverted from adult care homes to community settings. This progress is attributed to sustained investments and collaborations, including the efforts of the TCL Settlement’s Independent Reviewer, Marti Knisley.

“Thousands of people are living in community-integrated housing because of TCL, showing that investing in community-based supports transforms lives,” commented Debra Farrington, NCDHHS Deputy Secretary for Health. “With the support from community, state, and federal partners, North Carolina has demonstrated through TCL that when we choose community over institutionalization, individuals don’t just survive, they thrive.”

If the court approves the motion, federal oversight of TCL will conclude, but the NCDHHS will continue to uphold and enhance support services for those with SPMI/SMI. The department is actively working with stakeholders to ensure the continuation and advancement of TCL, focusing on core areas such as: