Transitions to Community Living

On August 23, 2012, the State of North Carolina entered into a settlement agreement with the United States Department of Justice (DOJ). A year of negotiations between the state and DOJ led to this agreement, which ensures that persons with mental illness are allowed to reside in their communities in the least restrictive settings of their choice. Learn more about the Settlement Agreement and the Transitions to Community Living Initiative, including changes to the Diversion/PASRR process, effective Nov. 1, 2018.

What is Transitions to Community Living?

The Transitions to Community Living Initiative (TCL) gives more than 3,000 North Carolina residents the choice to move into an apartment community. TCL means long-term housing and fewer hospital stays. For people with serious mental health needs, it means:

Individual preferences are valued and supported.
Services are provided in a flexible setting tailored to the individual.
All services are recovery-oriented.
Housing that helps individuals connect with others.
A home that does not limit social activities with the people of their choosing.

Services provided by the Transitions to Community Living Initiative:

Transition planning.
Housing slots with rental and transition support.
Assertive Community Treatment Team Services.
Supported Employment Services.
Crisis resources.

What is Supported Employment?

Supported Employment is a service that helps individuals find, choose and keep paid work. By allowing everyone who wants to work the opportunity to do so, confidence is instilled, and a positive self-image is formed through feelings of usefulness and importance. Supported Employment is a service to help individuals:

Find paid work.
Make their own money and take care of themselves.
Develop and maintain skills, optimism, and independence.

Supported Employment provides a team of people:

Willing to work alongside each individual to form new skills and receive training
That help educate individuals on how work affects their paycheck
Who will stay in place as long as the individual desires

The ultimate goal of Supported Employment is to prepare each person for regular work.

How can Sandhills Center help?

At Sandhills Center, we:

Ensure services are in place for self-supported living.
Work to ensure served individuals are safe during and after their move.
Provide a personalized wellness and crisis plan.
Encourage individuals to succeed.

For more information on Transitions to Community Living or Supported Employment, call 1-800-256-2452.

Submit a referral electronically for Diversion/RSVP.

You may also access the paper version here: Diversion/RSVP

Note: Instructions for submitting the paper version can be found at the bottom of page 2 of the referral form.

"When people don't see recovery as part of their lives, they need to be surrounded with possibilities of recovery." - Substance Abuse and Mental Health Association (SAMHSA)