The regional boards are responsible for planning, coordinating, contracting for services and evaluating all publicly supported hospital and community programs. In addition to providing treatment and support services, community programs screen people for admission to state hospitals and give follow-up care when they are discharged. Georgia needs agencies experienced in the provision of person-centered services in fully integrated settings. Residential services are provided in small community settings for one to four people.
Preference is given to agencies that support employment in regular community jobs.
Agencies must have the capacity to serve people with the most severe disabilities. Smaller providers must be certified by the Division of Mental Health, Mental Retardation and Substance Abuse. See Newsbrief for basic overview, and check Shift to Recovery Driven Model for information on how changes in mental health services will benefit consumers. The Residential Standards Workgroup will hold four meetings, January through March, to write standards for residential services for people with mental illness, mental retardation or substance abuse problems. Check our page of mental health, substance abuse and mental retardation resources .