On May 8, Disability Rights NC received an award from the Center for START Services for our work improving the system of support for children with intellectual/developmental disabilities (I/DD) and behavioral health needs.

In 2016, Disability Rights NC filed a complaint against the State of North Carolina for not meeting its obligations to children who have both I/DD and a mental health issue. We reached a settlement with the State that secured new services for these children. The settlement gave families statewide access to NC START, a comprehensive program that provides community-based crisis prevention and intervention services.

The Center for START Services recognized our work with its START Network Partner Award – Children’s Services. Director of Public Policy Corye Dunn and Senior Attorney Iris Green went to the Center’s conference in Boston to accept the award. Iris led the litigation effort against the State, and she works to make sure the State lives up to its obligations under the settlement.

The Center for START Services is a national initiative that works to strengthen efficiencies and service outcomes for individuals with I/DD and behavioral health needs in the community.