Alaska: 
How Far To Olmstead Compliance?

In April 2014, the Alaska Department of Health and Social Services (DHSS), its Division of Behavioral Health (DBH), and the Alaska Mental Health Trust Authority (the Trust) formally embarked on a statewide strategic supportive housing planning process.

The purpose of the process was to develop a three-year action plan that would enable Alaska to achieve the following objectives:

1. Maximize the development of integrated, affordable, lease-based permanent supportive housing (PSH) for Alaskans with serious behavioral health conditions served by DHSS and the Trust.

2. Identify, develop, and implement the services that individuals need to succeed in PSH.

3. Coordinate efforts among state and partner agencies working to develop and ensure access to PSH.

4. Leverage additional federal financial participation through modifications to state Medicaid services.

DBH and the Trust contracted with the Technical Assistance Collaborative, Inc. (TAC), a national non-profit consulting and technical assistance firm and recognized leader at the intersection of affordable housing, health care, and human services policy and systems to facilitate the planning process and develop strategic goals for these partnering state agencies to implement. 
Does Alaska have:
  • Specific Measurable Goals for Housing and Services for People with Disabilities who are Institutionalized or at Great Risk of Institutionalization such as is inherent in Homelessness?
  • Plans to bring Housing and Services to Scale to Meet the Need?
  • Are the planning and processes inclusive of people with disabilities and the people they will effect?
VIA OlmsteadRights.org
ALASKA DISABILITY RESOURCES AND ADVOCACY ORGANIZATIONS
https://www.olmsteadrights.org/self-helptools/advocacy-resources/item.6438-Alaska_Disability_Resources_and_Advocacy_Organizations