Transitions to Community Living

1. Transitions to Community Living March 29, 2014 NAMI Conference Jessica Keith Special Advisor on ADA, DHHS Darlene Webb, MH/SUD Care Coordinator Supervisor & Transitions to Community Living Director, Coastal Care

2. Federal Focus on ADA and Olmstead • Complaint letter and DOJ findings • The State’s prioritization of investment in congregate settings at the expense of community-based settings; • Many individuals with mental illnesses have not been provided choices of where they live

3. State Response On August 23, 2012 Acting DHHS Secretary Al Delia signed a voluntary agreement with the US DOJ to settle claims that the state of North Carolina had violated the American with Disabilities Act. This implementation of this project has been titled Transitions to Community Living Initiative.

4. Who is the Priority for Transitions to Community Living Initiative Individuals who are living in adult care homes who have a diagnosis of serious and persistent mental illness. Individuals who are referred to adult care homes with a diagnosis of serious mental illness Individuals who are in treatment in a state hospital. Individuals living in the community who have diagnosis of serious mental illness who are considering moving into an ACH

5. Settlement Agreement Roles MCO and DHHS In-reach Diversion Transition planning Housing slots with rental assistance and transition supports ACT fidelity Supported employment Quality Assurance and Performance Improvement Independent Reviewer

6. Transformations • Individuals in first year of moving asked “where do you think I should live?” In second year in program “I want to live _________” • Individuals first In Reached “no, I can’t live on my own” Following In Reaches “I want to move like my friend” • Before wrap around services “I can’t get anywhere” After training with bus system “I took the bus and visited my family” • Before living independently and working with a payee company “I didn’t buy my family Christmas presents. Now living Independently and working with a payee company “I bought my family Christmas gifts this year”

7. Transformations • Before transitioning “I hate where I live” after transitioning “I love my apartment” • Before Transitioning and working with a payee company “my credit is too bad” After transitioning and working with a payee company “I finished paying off my debts” • Before transitioning “No one ever gave me a chance” After transitioning “Thank you for giving me a chance.”

8. WHAT HAS MADE A DIFFERENCE Peer Support: ACTT, Volunteer Network and on MCO team as In Reach Specialist Strong ACTT providers and intensive oversight of Transition to Community Living Team Supported Employment Focus Tenancy Support Transitions to Community Living Team working closely with Landlords in Community to create housing opportunities Allotment funding for Individual for start up costs Transitions to Community Living Team ensuring a safety net Strong Payee companies

9. How you Can Be involved • If you know a person that may be benefit from Transitions to Community Living Initiative please contact you LME/MCO and ask to speak to the Transitions To Community Living Lead.

10. Questions

11. Contact Information • Darlene Webb, MSW, LCSW • MH/SUD Care Coordinator Supervisor • Coastal Care • Phone:  910-550-2600 • www.coastalcarenc.org

12. Contact Information •  Jessica Keith • NC Department of Health and Human Services • Special Advisor on ADA, Office of the Secretary • Phone: 919-855-4800 • Jessica.Bradley@dhhs.nc.gov • www.ncdhhs.gov