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Calendar of Events
NCARF Annual Training Conference
Sept. 29-Oct.1, 2010
Winston-Salem, NC |
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NCARF Headquarters
Suite 102
Raleigh, NC 27607
Phone
919-863-9486
Email
Nicole Shore
Association Executive
Michelle Eggleston
Membership Coordinator
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NCARF Award Applications Deadline Extended Until Next Friday!
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Registration Now Open for 2010 NCARF Annual Training Conference!
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NCARF Annual Training Conference
September 29-October 1, 2010
Embassy Suites
Winston-Salem, NC
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All NCARF Members should have received their 2010/2011 Membership Renewal by email. If you did not receive an invoice or have any questions please contact the Association.
Thank you to those members who have already renewed!
Caldwell Opportunities, Inc.
Chatham Trades, Inc.
DECI
Eastern Carolina Vocational Center, Inc.
Employment Source, Inc.
Haywood Vocational Opportunities, Inc.
Foothills Industries
LCI, Inc.
Martin Enterprises
OE Enterprises, Inc.
Transylvania Vocational Services, Inc.
MARC, Inc. |
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Announcement Regarding Transition of Services to Easter Seals UCP North Carolina & Virginia
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In recent days, you may have heard about the Mental Health Association in North Carolina transferring its direct service operations to other organizations. To ensure individuals have uninterrupted access to critical supports and services, Easter Seals UCP assumed management of a portion of MHA-NC's direct services.
Below are a few facts about the transition of services to Easter Seals UCP.
· As of July 30, 2010, Easter Seals UCP North Carolina & Virginia assumed management of a portion of services previously operated by the Mental Health Association in North Carolina. These programs are located in 24 cities across the state and consist of:
§ 5 Assertive Community Treatment Teams
§ 1 Psycho-Social Rehabilitation Program
§ 12 group homes
§ 21 apartments with 5-20 units each
· Approximately 600 individuals receiving service and 130 employees transitioned from MHA-NC to Easter Seals UCP.
· Management of all 94 HUD properties, including their related operations and staff, transitioned to The Arc of North Carolina.
· The transition of these services were at the request of MHA-NC and approved by the Division of MH/DD/SAS and the respective Local Management Entities.
The inclusion of these services aligns with and compliments the array of existing supports and services we provide annually to more than 8,000 people with mental health challenges. As new members of the Easter Seals UCP North Carolina & Virginia family, we embrace those individuals previously served by MHA-NC and welcome their respective staff.
Office of Communications
Easter Seals UCP North Carolina & Virginia, Inc.
5171 Glenwood Ave., Suite 400
Raleigh, NC 27612
1-800-662-7119
Learn more at www.eastersealsucp.com
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Implementation Update #77
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- TCM for IDD
- Update on MH/SA TCM
- CABHA Monitoring
- CABHA Enrollment Workshop
- PA for Medicaid Funded Services in Durham & Eastpointe LMEs
- AMHC Authorization Changes to ECBH
- Update on New PA guidelines for Outpatient
- NC START Annual Report
- Income and Family Size Information
- MOA Update
- NEA Letter Update
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ADA 20th Anniversary - Resources
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Disability Rights NC Files a Complaint on Behalf of Adults with Mental Illness on 20th Anniversary of the ADA
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Monday, July 26, 2010
Disability Rights NC files a complaint on behalf of adults with mental illness on 20th Anniversary of the ADA
Raleigh, NC - On July 26, 2010, Disability Rights North Carolina (DRNC) filed a complaint with the United States Department of Justice against the State of North Carolina on behalf of people with mental illness living in Adult Care Homes. The complaint, which is the product of
multiple investigations and interviews conducted by Disability Rights NC over the past year, claims that the State is in violation of the Americans with Disabilities Act by warehousing individuals with mental illness in large, segregated facilities.
Disability Rights NC investigated four deaths occurring in Adult Care Homes between October 2008 and July 2009, and many other reports of violence and injury at these facilities. Using its mandated authority, Disability Rights NC also conducted on-site visits to more than one dozen
Adult Care Homes during a 10-day period in May. At the time of the visits, the percentage of residents with a diagnosis of a mental illness varied from facility to facility, ranging from 50 to 100 percent. The ages of residents living in the adult care homes visited ranged from people in their twenties to their nineties. One resident was one hundred-years-old.
"The conditions in some of the homes were deplorable. Our staff noted overmedicated residents, long hallways, bad lighting, crowded rooms (3 residents per room), offensive odors, lack of air conditioning, broken windows, insect infestation, reports of violent altercations among the
residents, minimal and dilapidated furniture and little privacy," said Vicki Smith, Executive Director of Disability Rights NC. "Essentially we found a lack of anything to make it feel like home."
Adult Care Homes are licensed as "assisted living facilities" - residences that provide, at a minimum, one meal a day, housekeeping services and personal care services. An Adult Care Home typically serves more than six residents. According to information provided to the N.C. Institute of Medicine Task Force on co-locations of Different Populations in Adult Care Homes, as of December 2009, North Carolina had 627 Adult Care Homes with 36,564 beds. Adult Care Homes are frequently the only alternative many people with mental illness have to homelessness.
"Twenty years after the signing of the Americans with Disabilities Act, the State of North Carolina lacks a realistic plan that supports all adults with mental illness living in the community in a truly integrated setting," Smith stated. "North Carolina's Olmstead Plan is less than two pages and does not begin to address the needs of this population. We hope the involvement of the Department of Justice will make providing services to this population a higher priority."
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Disability Rights North Carolina is the state's federally mandated protection and advocacy system for people with disabilities and is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization with offices in Raleigh and Asheville. One of the P&A's primary federal mandates is to protect and advocate against the abuse and neglect of people with disabilities.
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Friends of Adult Care Response to Disability Rights North CArolina Complaint |
On Monday, Disability Rights North Carolina filed a complaint with the U.S. Department of Justice, alleging improper care of mentally ill adults in group homes. This is a response from Lou Wilson, executive director of the NC Association of Long Term Care Facilities:
For more than 15 years, we have warned that North Carolina's adult care homes are in crisis. We hope that the complaint filed Monday by Disability Rights North Carolina (DRNC) will finally lead to action.
The responsibility lies with the State of North Carolina, which has refused for years to provide our homes with adequate funding to deal with aged, disabled and mentally ill residents.
North Carolina has many good adult care homes providing a wide range of excellent services. The DRNC's own visits confirmed this. The poor conditions cited in DRNC's complaint are the exception, not the rule.
More than 94 percent of the homes in the state have received top ratings - either three or four stars - in the State of North Carolina's new quality-rating system. (Note: Not all homes are currently eligible for four stars, the highest rating. A four-star rating requires two consecutive ratings of 100 points or better, and many adult care homes have only been inspected one time.)
Our industry stands ready to work with DRNC, the state and the federal government to help solve these problems. But we must have more resources:
- In the last five years, adult care homes received only one increase in Medicaid reimbursement from the legislature - and that for only 19 cents a day.
- Our homes are the only Medicaid providers whose rates are set by the legislature, not DHHS.
- Our homes are paid only 65 percent of their Medicaid costs - the lowest of any Medicaid providers in the sate.
- The rate we are paid is lower today than it was six years ago.
- The state is in effect using adult care homes as a safety net for mentally ill residents, but refuses to give homes the resources to provide the care needed.
Just this year, the legislature cut from the budget a $9 million funding request submitted by Governor Perdue. That $9 million would have been a small start in the right direction.
The vast majority of owners, operators and staffs of adult-care homes are delivering outstanding services. But the state's neglect inevitably hurts resident care.
It is time for the State of North Carolina to do right by the residents of adult care homes. Perhaps now the federal government will force the state to act.
For more information, see www.friendsofadultcare.com. |
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Now Available - Summary Report for A New Day: We're Listening Sessions
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You are subscribed to the home page of the Office of Disability Employment Policy in the United States Department of Labor. This information has recently been updated, and is now available.
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U.S. Department of Labor News
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The U.S. Department of Labor's Office of Disability Employment Policy has announced the availability of approximately $2.3 million to fund up to four cooperative agreements ranging from $500,000 to $625,000 in support of the Add Us In initiative. This initiative is designed to increase the ability of businesses owned, operated and controlled by African Americans; Asian Americans; Latino or Hispanic Americans; members of federally recognized Tribes and Native Americans; Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender individuals; and women to employ adults and youth with disabilities. Application deadline is September 1, 2010.
For more information visit this link: http://www.disability.gov/employment/news_%26_events
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North Carolina likely won't have to make across-the-board government spending cuts and could see thousands of additional public school positions preserved now that extra money appears headed to the state from Washington. The U.S. Senate's vote Wednesday in support of a $26 billion package for the states means North Carolina would receive $343 million in Medicaid funds and its local school districts nearly $300 million more to protect about 4,500 education jobs, according to U.S. Sen. Kay Hagan, D-N.C.
North Carolina had expected $520 million more in Medicaid funds from an earlier version of the bill, so House and Senate Democrats in the Legislature assembled a plan in the state's final $18.9 billion budget approved June 30 on how to close the gap if the extra Medicaid money never came. Should Wednesday's bill become law, Gov. Beverly Perdue's administration likely wouldn't have to carry out the plan's more severe reductions, according to data provided by the Legislature's Fiscal Research Division. Those include withholding up to $139 million in pension contributions and requiring an extra 1 percent cut across state government, or $178 million.
Rep. Mickey Michaux, D-Durham, senior co-chairman of the House Appropriations Committee, was cautious Wednesday about how far the money would go, pending the receipt of the extra funds. At the very least, the 1 percent reduction would be off the table, Michaux said.
Barring an upward surge in state tax collections, the contingency plan probably would require Perdue to take money from several areas of state government, including unclaimed lottery prize money and leftover money for disaster relief from 2004 floods. After those funds are exhausted, lawmakers wanted Medicaid provider rates cut by 1 percentage point and money taken from the rainy-day reserve fund.
The $26 billion package also would give $10 billion to school districts nationwide in the form of grants to prevent teacher layoffs. Hagan said North Carolina's share could preserve 4,500 positions. That's separate from protecting 1,700 teacher and other instructional positions in the state budget by shifting the use of North Carolina Education Lottery profits. The Senate still needs to vote again before it goes to the House and ultimately to Obama, but the 61-38 Senate vote dislodged the measure from a Republican filibuster after two GOP senators joined the Democrats in the majority.
Hagan voted to end the filibuster of the bill, while U.S. Sen. Richard Burr, R-N.C., voted no. "I understand the budget pressures facing states, but this bill simply delays the hard choices we need to make at the local, state, and federal levels," Burr said in a prepared statement.
(Gary D. Robertson, THE ASSOCIATED PRESS, 8/04/10).
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The Power of Family: A Team NC Powerlifter Visits with Siblings
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Dylan has worked at DECI since 1988. He is a hard worker and a very quite person (both of which you can probably tell from the following story).
Alicia Camacho, DECI
From the SONC Team Newsletter, Thursday, July 22, 2010
The Power of Family: A Team NC powerlifter visits with siblings
"Dylan is the baby of the family," said Andre Aman, as she hugged Dylan Blommer, after the 2010 Special Olympics USA National Games Opening Ceremonies. The Team NC powerlifter blushed and pushed his sister away. He may be the youngest of six children but at age 44 he doesn't like being called the "baby". Aman, who has lived in Lincoln for 27 years, visits her brother in Durham about three times a year but for him to be in her hometown is rare and wonderful.
"I was so thrilled, when we found out he had been selected to the NC national team," said Aman. "He's only been here twice before. I am just so super proud of him and so excited that all the Special Olympics athletes are here in my city this week."
The two siblings went out to dinner together in Lincoln and Aman came to know a new side of her brother, she had not seen before.
"I was just amazed by how independent and self-confident he was," said Aman. "Special Olympics clearly has a positive impact on him. He recognized and spoke to an athlete from another state; he talked to people who inquired about his credentials; he talked to me a lot and had lots of great eye contact. I was so thrilled."
The family reunion continued on competition day for Blommer. His "favorite" brother Craig drove seven hours from Minnesota to see him on stage. Aman, her husband BJ, and one of their sons Charles were all in attendance. The rest of the family, including his mother was watching the competition via streaming video online. Turns out none of his family had ever seen him compete in powerlifting before and everyone was nervous for him.
"My heart was racing for him," said Aman. "After he got the first good lift, I relaxed a little bit. When I talked to my mom, she couldn't believe just how exciting the sport was. She was so proud of him!"
"I was holding my breath," said his brother-in-law BJ (Big John) Aman. "It's just amazing what he can do. That's a lot of weight. It's me plus someone else- very impressive!"
Blommer doesn't show much emotion during competition but he certainly smiled plenty when he saw and hugged his family afterwards. For this powerlifter, National Games week has been as much about sport as it has been about family!
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Durham Special Olympian Wins Gold, Dances on Podium
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Durham, N.C. - A Special Olympics athlete from Durham celebrated his gold medal win Tuesday by wowing the crowd with his impromptu dance on the podium. Charles Quick received a gold medal for his deadlift of 270.1 pounds. He was one of 50 athletes representing North Carolina at the Special Olympics USA National Games in Nebraska.
He also won three silvers in the squat, bench and combined events. "He loves MC Hammer and broke out into a dance when he received his Gold," said Megan O'Donnell, vice president of communications for Special Olympics North Carolina. "This is just classic! He is so popular here too - and has (the) best smile!"
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US Labor Department Seeks Public Input to Strengthen Disability Regulations
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The U.S. Department of Labor's Office of Federal Contract Compliance Programs (OFCCP) is seeking input from the public on ways to strengthen its regulations requiring federal contractors to take affirmative action to employ and advance in employment qualified individuals with disabilities. In an Advance Notice of Proposed Rulemaking to be published in the Federal Register July 23, the agency invites the public to help revise the regulations implementing Section 503 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973.
http://www.dol.gov/opa/media/press/ofccp/ofccp20101015.htm |
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NC Mental Health Provider Loses Accreditation
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Financial Woes Close Mental-Health Group
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http://www.newsobserver.com/2010/07/31/605782/financial-woes-close-mental-health.html
Published Sat, Jul 31, 2010 02:32 AM
RALEIGH The financially troubled Mental Health Association of North Carolina is shutting down.
A brief statement released Friday by the organization's interim executive director, Christie Foppiano, confirmed that MHA is insolvent and closing its doors.
"In the days ahead, MHA will be working to wind up its affairs and close," the statement said. "MHA-NC is disappointed that it is unable to meet its financial commitments and continue to carry out its mission to promote mental health awareness, prevent mental illness and eliminate discrimination against people with mental illness."
Incorporated in 1939, MHA is the oldest advocacy group for people with mental illness in the state. It was once one of North Carolina's largest providers of housing and treatment for the population it served.
The depth of the group's financial problems in recent years, hidden from most of its employees and board members, came to light in May when MHA's longtime executive director, John Tote, was appointed to head the state's mental-health system.
Tote was forced to withdraw from the high-profile appointment less than a week later, following news reports that MHA faced more than $1.5 million in IRS liens related to years of unpaid payroll taxes.
On Monday, MHA lost its accreditation, cutting off the group's access to federal Medicaid reimbursements. Without the ability to bill Medicaid, the organization's fate was sealed.
The operation of MHA's remaining group homes and treatment programs across the state will be assumed by Easter Seals UCP of North Carolina.
michael.biesecker@ newsobserver.com and 919-829-4698
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Crisis of care
http://www.newsobserver.com/2010/07/31/605436/crisis-of-care.html
Published Sat, Jul 31, 2010 02:00 AM
When it comes to the treatment and care of people with mental illness, it seems that every inch of progress represents a battle. Patients often require a whole separate level of care beyond what a family can provide. Costs are formidable, and a public safety net is essential.
Now it turns out that a key component of that safety net is falling apart. The Mental Health Association of North Carolina, mired in a financial swamp, has lost its accreditation and is suspending services for hundreds of clients.
What's critically important now is that those clients not pay the price for the association's troubles. Another group, Easter Seals, fortunately is preparing to step in. The state must ensure that residents of MHA's apartments and group homes, and clients for whom the association has provided treatment, are properly cared for under the new arrangement. It was good to hear state mental health director Leza Wainwright pledge to try to make the transition "as seamless as possible."
The MHA's collapse comes under the weight of more than $1.5 million in federal tax liens reflecting years of unpaid payroll taxes. Former executive director John Tote - who had been in line to replace Wainwright upon her upcoming retirement - failed to keep the operation current with its taxes as government funding dwindled. It was a tough spot to be in, but generous salaries for Tote and other staffers were the rule. The group's board of directors also was not kept well-informed and was not sufficiently aggressive in its oversight.
Loss of accreditation means that MHA no longer qualifies for Medicaid reimbursement - possibly a mortal blow. The group has done good work as an advocate for the mentally ill, who need voices in their behalf. Other voices now must be heard. |
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"What Are the Implications for Behavioral Health?"
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Here is a SAMHSA article on the health care reform, "What Are the Implications for Behavioral Health?" Click to View |
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EMPLOYMENT DEVELOPMENT SPECIALIST Provides facility & community based employment supports to individuals with disabilities by working collaboratively/maintaining effective relationships with state, local & other nonprofit entities toward the goal of effecting job placement. Associates Degree in Human Services field required, plus a minimum of three years experience and/or training working with individuals with disabilities or other equivalent combination of education & experience. Pre-employment background, drug screen and driving record checks required. Please send resume to Employment Source 600 Ames St., Fayetteville, NC 28301, es-hr@ourpeoplework.org or FAX (910) 485-4341. EOE/AA/EVERIFY
**This position will provide supports to individuals we having working as Dining Attendants at Cherry Point, Camp Lejeune & Parris Island. We are looking for a person who may live near Cherry Point, Camp Lejuene or somewhere in between these 2 points. If there are any questions about this position please call Betsy Torsell at (910) 826-4699 ext. 224.
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News to Share?
Please send any news you wish to include in the weekly updates to
NCARF Staff
***The information in the NCARF Weekly Update is presented for informational purposes. Unless expressly stated, opinions may not be the opinion of NCARF as an organization. Inclusion of information in the Weekly Update is not meant to imply endorsement by NCARF or its member organizations. NCARF cannot guarantee the accuracy of all information that is passed along from various outside sources. |
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