Is one of North Carolina’s main systems for housing those with mental illness failing?

A Carolina Public Press investigation of adult care homes shows a spectrum of problems, including a “gaping hole” in North Carolina’s oversight of housing for those with mental illness. Beginning in Jan. 2017, Carolina Public Press researched and reported on housing issues faced by those living with mental illness across North Carolina. The investigative reporting staff at the nonprofit news organization reviewed three years of public records for all of the 1,200 adult care homes in the state, traveled to facilities across the state and interviewed dozens of advocates, regulators, facility managers and others. As a result, CPP published this series, beginning in July 2017, detailing the vast inconsistencies and troubling issues facing the regulation and oversight of these private, for-profit facilities, which, in North Carolina, serve as a primary source of housing for individuals with mental illness who need access to 24-hour care.
follow our investigation
Investigation: NC adult care homes system under fire, with oversight inconsistent, unreliable
6-month investigation of adult care homes shows spectrum of serious problems, ‘gaping hole’ in NC oversight of housing for those with mental illness.
Who’s watching: Investigation raises doubts about NC inspection system for adult care homes
Public records reveal inconsistent outcomes from NC monitoring of adult care homes where many of state’s mentally ill adults reside.
Paying for mistakes: North Carolina’s 10 most penalized adult care homes
A look at highest fines levied against N.C. adult care homes in the last three years, what led to them and the outcome for those facilities.
A federal case: Housing for mentally ill adults pits NC against US government in ongoing legal battle
While an investigation has shown adult care homes have serious problems, a federal lawsuit says the state isn’t doing enough to develop alternatives.