Who can file a complaint?

People who have developmental disabilities (DD) and are receiving services from the state are eligible for services from the DD Ombuds. Individuals with DD, staff or providers, family members, guardians, or other interested individuals may make a complaint.

Is the identity of the person who makes a complaint confidential?

Yes. The DD Ombuds keeps confidential the identity of those who make a complaint.

Complaint process:  

The DD Ombuds reviews each complaint to determine next steps. The DD Ombuds will review, but may not investigate, every complaint. If the DD Ombuds determines that it needs more information, someone from the DD Ombuds will follow up with you if you have provided sufficient contact information.

Ways to make a complaint:

Online: Use the complaint form  to make a complaint. If you need assistance or an accommodation to complete the online complaint form, please call the complaint line toll-free at 1-833-727-8900.

Phone:  Call the complaint line toll-free at 1-833-727-8900.

In-person:  Make a complaint with a DD Ombuds during a monitoring visit.  The DD Ombuds conducts monitoring of services across the state.

To suggest the DD Ombuds monitor a particular facility, program or residence, you may 1) complete the online complaint form; 2) call the complaint line and request a monitoring visit; or 3) make a complaint in-person to a DD Ombuds during a monitoring or on-site visit.

What to do for immediate assistance:

The DD Ombuds is not an emergency service. If you are experiencing an emergency and need immediate assistance, call 9-1-1.

To report suspected abuse, neglect, abandonment, or financial exploitation of a child or vulnerable adult, call 1-866-363-4276 (1-866-ENDHARM). Or you may report online.

What we provide:

The DD Ombuds reviews complaints on behalf of people with developmental disabilities who receive state services. Complaints may relate to abuse, neglect, exploitation, or the quality of, or access to services. The DD Ombuds provides general rights information for those who use DD services.  DD Ombuds services include:

  • information or referral
  • tips or ideas for an individual to resolve an issue at the lowest level possible
  • informal resolution of complaints on behalf of an individual, group, or in response to observations of the DD Ombuds
  • monitoring facilities or residences, which includes record review and witness interviews
  • advocacy on behalf of an individual or group to resolve a complaint
  • data collection of non-identifying information and statistics, to recommend service improvements to the State Legislature, Governor, and service systems

 

Make a Complaint