The Georgia Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Disabilities (DBHDD) has announced that the state has reached a significant milestone in its settlement agreement with the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ). On February 11, 2026, United States District Court Judge Eleanor L. Ross signed an order ending all remaining behavioral health provisions under the Olmstead Settlement Agreement and its extension. This decision releases Georgia from about 60 behavioral health requirements and ends federal monitoring related to these areas.
“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 entered into this settlement agreement in 2010. Since then, the state has invested in community-based behavioral health services, crisis care programs, supported housing options, and recovery-oriented initiatives.
In May 2024, another court order recognized DBHDD’s progress when a federal judge released the department from Consent Order provisions concerning Deaf services. The judge noted that DBHDD “has met and, in some instances, exceeded the requirements” set out in October 2014.
Commissioner Tanner attributed this achievement to support from Governor Brian Kemp, the Georgia General Assembly, as well as DBHDD staff members and other stakeholders across Georgia.
“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.
Although these behavioral health provisions are now complete, work continues under a transition plan focused on supportive housing for 541 individuals through initiatives such as Georgia Housing Vouchers and additional placements. Supportive housing combined with wrap-around services like supported employment is seen as essential for helping people remain stable within their communities.
Governor Kemp’s proposed budget for fiscal year 2027 includes $9.3 million to fund 404 new housing vouchers. DBHDD is also using federally funded vouchers managed by the Georgia Department of Community Affairs (DCA) to assist others needing support. Two DBHDD employees are currently embedded at DCA to help process voucher applications.
With these steps completed on behavioral health issues, DBHDD will now focus on fulfilling remaining obligations under the Olmstead Settlement Agreement regarding community-based services for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities.
