HOME AND COMMUNITY BASED SERVICES COMMISSION
OFFICE OF THE GOVERNOR ·AMERICAN SAMOA
American Samoa's Olmstead Plan
In 1999, the United States Supreme Court decided in Olmstead v. L.C. that people with disabilities have the right to receive services in the most integrated setting appropriate to their needs — in their own homes and communities, rather than in institutions, whenever that is possible and they choose it. For American Samoa, this principle is not only law, it is embedded in fa'aSamoa. The most integrated setting has always been home, among family and natural support systems.
An Olmstead Plan is how the Territory turns that shared value into a clear, lasting commitment.
What Olmstead means for American Samoa
In many places, an Olmstead Plan is about helping people move out of large institutions and back into their communities. American Samoa's situation is different — we have very little institutional long-term care, because families here have always cared for their loved ones at home. So for us, Olmstead is above all about prevention: making sure that no one is ever placed in care away from home simply because the support they need does not yet exist. Our plan is a roadmap for building those home- and community-based supports, so that staying home remains a real and safe choice for every family.
How we are building the plan
The Olmstead decision requires a comprehensive, working plan — one with real commitments, measurable goals, and accountability — but it does not dictate a single formula. So the Commission has designed a framework that fits American Samoa's actual care system. In June 2026, the Commission adopted the foundation of the Plan: seven focus components that organize the work ahead. This foundation builds on a preliminary Olmstead draft prepared by the Pacific Center for Human Security. As verified information comes in from partner agencies and from families across the Territory, these components are being filled out into American Samoa's first full Olmstead Plan — targeted for completion in late 2026, ahead of the Commission's December presentation to the Governor.
The Olmstead Plan is the backbone of the Commission's work. What we learn through our territory-wide assessments fills out each component with real information about the needs of our people — so the final Plan reflects American Samoa as it truly is. You can follow the timeline and the wider work on our Plans & Priorities page, and add your voice through Community Engagement.
