DBHDD Announces Joint Filing Requesting Release From 60+ Provisions of 2010 Olmstead Settlement Agreement

ATLANTA - Today, the Georgia Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Disabilities (DBHDD) announced a joint filing with the U.S. Department of Justice and the Independent Reviewer to release the State of Georgia from all behavioral health provisions of the 2010 Settlement Agreement, and Paragraphs 30-40 of the 2016 Extension of Settlement Agreement. Commissioner Kevin Tanner made the announcement this morning before members of the Georgia General Assembly's House and Senate Appropriations Committees.

"This moment is a testament to the leadership of Governor Brian Kemp and the Georgia General Assembly as well as the dedication of our staff and provider network across the state," said Commissioner Tanner. "This filing reflects more than a decade of intentional investment, accountability and collaboration to strengthen Georgia's behavioral health system and expand access to high-quality, community-based care. It affirms the confidence of our federal partners that Georgia has exceeded its obligations, while remaining focused on ensuring individuals can receive services in the most integrated settings possible and live stable, independent and meaningful lives in their communities."

The State entered into the original settlement agreement in 2010. Since then, the State has made significant and deliberate investments to dramatically increase both the quantity and quality of services statewide.

"I am especially grateful to Monica Patel, our Chief Legal Officer and Assistant Commissioner of Agency Affairs, and her team for navigating the legal complexities that helped bring us to this important milestone," added Commissioner Tanner.

The joint filing with the U.S. Department of Justice and the Independent Reviewer seeks release from more than 60 behavioral health provisions of the original settlement agree and its agreement extension. If the Judge grants this motion, it will be the first time in 16 years that the State has been released from a provision in the agreements.

The filing states, "Indeed, by meeting and exceeding the rigorous standards of the [Settlement Agreement] and [Extension Agreement], the State has proven its commitment to providing robust, accessible, and dignified mental health services for Georgia's most vulnerable citizens. The State is to be commended for its achievements in serving people with [Severe and Persistent Mental Illness]."

The behavioral health provisions will be replaced by one requirement to house 537 individuals in supportive housing. These will need to be provided through 404 additional Georgia Housing Vouchers and 133 other supportive housing slots. Governor Kemp's Fiscal Year 2027 budget proposal includes $9.3 million for 404 new housing vouchers.

DBHDD's Georgia Housing Voucher Program allows individuals with diagnosed mental or behavioral health conditions remain stabilized and provides wrap-around services, such as supported employment. DBHDD already partners with DCA to utilize existing federally funded housing vouchers; DBHDD has two embedded employees to help process applications that serve this population.

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