RALEIGH — The North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services and First Lady Anna Stein today unveiled a pilot program focused on helping people who have severe mental health needs and are involved in the justice system successfully reenter their communities while reducing their likelihood of reoffending. The $9.5 million investment will create Forensic Assertive Community Treatment teams based in Pitt, New Hanover, Wake/Durham, Buncombe and Mecklenburg counties.FACT teams are part of a long-term effort by NCDHHS to support people when they are released from incarceration and will build on existing Assertive Community Treatment teams by addressing criminal behavior risks to divert people in need of treatment away from the criminal justice system.
FACT teams will provide individualized care based on a person’s needs, and each team will assist up to 30 clients at a time. Services include mental health care, housing, vocational/educational support, substance use…..