In February 2025, the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services (NCDHHS) announced an $11 million investment to strengthen mental health and substance use services for individuals involved in the justice system. This funding supports community-based diversion programs and reentry services that serve as alternatives to incarceration—an approach designed to reduce recidivism and promote long-term recovery.
What This Means for Behavioral Health Providers
This initiative opens new doors for agencies and professionals working in mental health, substance use (MH/SU), and intellectual/developmental disability (IDD) services. It supports the kind of person-centered, trauma-informed care that truly meets clients where they are—especially those facing legal challenges.
Notably, several organizations will receive funding to expand their Law Enforcement Assisted Diversion (LEAD) programs:
These programs focus on diverting individuals with behavioral health needs away from the justice system and into treatment and community-based support instead.
Expanding Reentry Support
Other grantees include:
These agencies will expand housing and employment programs—critical services that help individuals reintegrate after incarceration. Access to safe housing, job training, and behavioral health support are proven to reduce repeat offenses and foster stability.
Part of a Larger Transformation in North Carolina
This investment is part of a broader, $835 million commitment by NCDHHS to improve behavioral health care across North Carolina. The focus? Whole-person care that integrates mental health, substance use support, and social services—especially in rural areas, justice-involved populations, and underserved communities.
Is Your Agency Prepared?
If you’re an agency leader in North Carolina, especially in Raleigh-Durham, Wilmington, Asheville, or Charlotte, this is the time to strengthen your training programs and align your team with evolving standards in diversion, reentry, and trauma-informed care.
At Scales Training Company LLC, we offer CEU-accredited training in:
Let’s work together to ensure your staff is equipped to support this next wave of systemic change. Contact us today to schedule a training or compliance consultation.
While Scales Training Company currently provides behavioral health and compliance training across North Carolina, Tennessee, and Arkansas, we proudly welcome opportunities to support organizations in any location across the U.S.
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