ATLANTA—The State of Georgia and the United States Department of Justice have agreed to an Extension of Settlement Agreement modifying the original terms of the 2010 Americans with Disabilities Act Settlement.

“This agreement is a significant accomplishment for the State of Georgia,” said Governor Nathan Deal.  “Over the last six years, Georgia has invested tremendous resources in improving services for people with behavioral health and intellectual and developmental disability needs.  I am proud of the work we are doing, and I look forward to our continued progress in this area.”

The original five-year agreement contained specific obligations related to the administration of the state’s behavioral health and developmental disability service system.  An extension agreement was filed today after months of negotiations following court-appointed Independent Reviewer Elizabeth Jones’ 2015 finding that the state was in substantial compliance with nearly all of the behavioral health obligations set forth in the original 2010 settlement.  Additionally, Jones cited significant progress in the transformation of the state’s intellectual and developmental disability service system.

“This agreement is a reflection of the hard work of many people,” said Frank Berry, Commissioner of the Georgia Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Disabilities.  “The dedication of our team members and statewide network of community providers is truly remarkable, and their unwavering commitment to the people we serve has without question led to easier access to high-quality care.”

The extension agreement reflects many elements of the department’s existing strategic priorities, and contains work in the following areas:

  • Transitions from State Hospitals to Community Settings
  • Community-Based Supports and Services for People with Developmental Disabilities
  • Risk Management and Quality Reviews
  • Supported Housing

The targeted end date for the extension agreement is June 30, 2018.

Related Documents:

Contact Information:

Angelyn Dionysatos: [email protected], 404.463.8035