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Helping people avoid institutional care is a key goal of the Olmstead Plan. One way to measure that progress is by the number of people with severe mental illness who move into community-based settings rather than Adult Care Homes or institutions. Of all the individuals with severe mental illness considering moving into an institution, only 33 people moved into Adult Care Homes or institutions in 2024 — everyone else moved into community-based settings. This is a big improvement compared to the same data in 2018, when about 1,000 people moved into Adult Care Homes. This represents around a 97% reduction in the number of people transitioning into institutional care between 2018 and 2024.
Another big milestone was reached when the process of restoring competency was simplified, so that people who have guardians can petition the court with a simple form to ask for changes. The story of Tylor Freeman, who went through that process is shared in this video.
NCDHHS leaders affirmed the Department’s commitment to continue building on this progress. This includes updating the Olmstead Plan. The current version of the plan includes the following priorities:
- Making it easier to get services and supports in the community.
- Hiring, training and keeping employed the direct support professionals who assist people to live, work and do well in their own homes and communities.
- Helping people make the change to living in their own home and supporting people to keep them from having to go to an institution.
- Creating more opportunities for youth and adults with disabilities to go to school and earn a living.
- Increasing opportunities for inclusive community living.
- Bridging gaps in services.
- Exploring other ways, besides guardianship, to help people make decisions.
- Making access to services fair for everyone.
- Increasing the participation of people with lived experience and families in public policymaking.
- Finding ways to help people with the problem of limited transportation.
- Using data to make improvements in services and to see whether North Carolina is meeting the Olmstead Plan’s goals.
- Providing accessible communications to inform and educate people with disabilities about what services and options are available. These include:
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Tailored Plans,
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Tailored Care Management,
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1915(i) services,
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NC Innovations Waiver.
- Strengthening the Direct Care Workforce, including the Direct Support Professionals who support individuals with I/DD and/or TBI. These include recruitment, training, and retention supports.
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Expanding support and services for independent living for people with disabilities, including housing supports.
NCDHHS speakers at the event included:
- Ginger Yarbrough – Chief Clinical Officer for IDD, TBI & Olmstead
- Deb Goda – Olmstead Director, Office of the Secretary
- David Clapp – Deputy Director, Behavioral Health and I/DD, NC Medicaid
- Niki Ashmont – Acting Director, State Operated Healthcare Facilities
- Kenneth Bausell – Senior Director of Employment and Community Access
- Gregory Daniels – Associate Director, Behavioral Health and I/DD, NC Medicaid
- Steve Strom – Program Director, Money Follows the Person
- Tamara Smith – Associate Director, Olmstead & Transitions to Community Living
- Josh Walker – Olmstead Housing Director
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