Georgia Reaches Historic Milestone in Olmstead/DOJ Settlement Agreement

ATLANTA – The Georgia Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Disabilities (DBHDD) today announced a landmark achievement in the State’s long-standing Olmstead Settlement Agreement with the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ). On February 11, 2026, United States District Court Judge Eleanor L. Ross of the Northern District of Georgia signed an order terminating all remaining behavioral health provisions of the agreement and its extension. This ruling releases Georgia from approximately 60 behavioral health provisions and ends all related federal monitoring requirements under the settlement.

“This is a truly historic moment for Georgia and for DBHDD,” said Commissioner Kevin Tanner. “For 16 years, our teams, providers and partners have worked tirelessly to strengthen and transform Georgia’s behavioral health system. This ruling reflects the extraordinary progress we have made in expanding access, improving quality and building a more comprehensive continuum of care. Most importantly, it represents better outcomes and greater independence for the individuals we serve.”

Georgia originally entered into the landmark settlement agreement in 2010. Since that time, the State has made sustained and strategic investments to expand community-based behavioral health services, crisis care, supported housing and recovery-oriented programs.

 This milestone follows another significant court recognition. On May 22, 2024, a federal judge released DBHDD from Consent Order provisions related to Deaf services, noting that the department “has met and, in some instances, exceeded the requirements” of the October 2014 Consent Order.

 Commissioner Tanner credits the milestone to the leadership and sustained investment of Governor Kemp and the Georgia General Assembly, as well as the dedication of DBHDD staff, providers, and stakeholders across the state.

 “This achievement would not have been possible without the support and significant state investment by Governor Brian Kemp and the Georgia General Assembly,” added Commissioner Tanner.

Continuing Commitment: Supportive Housing Expansion

While the behavioral health provisions have concluded, Georgia’s work continues under a transition plan to support 541 individuals through supportive housing initiatives, including 404 Georgia Housing Vouchers and 137 additional supportive housing placements. Supportive housing, combined with wrap-around services like supported employment, is critical to helping individuals remain stable, connected, and thriving in their communities.

 Governor Brian Kemp’s FY 2027 budget proposal includes $9.3 million to fund 404 new housing vouchers. DBHDD is also leveraging existing federally funded housing vouchers administered through the Georgia Department of Community Affairs (DCA) to support the remaining individuals. DBHDD currently partners with DCA by embedding two DBHDD employees to assist with housing voucher application processing.

Focus on Remaining Settlement Provisions

With the behavioral health provisions now complete, DBHDD is intensifying efforts to achieve release from the remaining provisions of the Olmstead Settlement Agreement, which address community-based services for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD).