Appeal & Complaint Processes
We are committed to building strong partnerships with consumers and their families. Our goal is to be responsive to consumer needs, and to clearly communicate options for our consumers and families. A number of formal processes have been established for responding to concerns or complaints related to services that are provided by NLACRC or our service providers.
For a list of options consumers and family members have for filing appeals and complaints, please visit the DDS website
Rights Violation Complaints
The Consumer Rights/Section 4731 Complaint Process is a mechanism to be used when an individual consumer, or any representative acting on behalf of a consumer, believes that any right has been wrongly or unfairly denied by a regional center, developmental center, or a service provider. This process is not to be used by consumers to resolve disputes about eligibility, or the nature, scope, or amount of services.
The regional center has published a complaint form that explains the process. This information is provided to consumers, and where appropriate, families, during routinely scheduled individual program planning (IPP) meetings and individual family service plan
(IFSP) meetings by the Consumer Services Coordinator (CSC).
The intent of the Rights Violation Complaint Process is to provide a meaningful resolution when a rights violation has been substantiated, and attempt to prevent similar violations from occurring again.
For Regional Center clients from birth to 36 months, complaints are submitted to DDS
For Regional Center clients age 3 and older, complaints are submitted to NLACRC
4731 complaints should be submitted to the attention of the Executive Director. Please email or mail to:
Via US Postal mail
North Los Angeles County Regional Center
Attn: Executive Director
9200 Oakdale Ave, Suite 100
Chatsworth, CA 91311
Via Electronic Email
Appeals
Appeals Process: A request for an appeal is a formal request to resolve a dispute with the regional center regarding eligibility, nature, scope or amount of services and supports. This process is not to be used to resolve issues involving a denial of consumer rights.
Regional Center clients from birth to 36 months, requests are submitted to the Office of Administrative Hearings
For Regional Center clients from birth to 36 months, Mediation requests are submitted to the Office of Administrative Hearings
For Regional Center client age 3 and older, requests are submitted to DDS
Whistleblower Policies
NLACRC has a board-approved Whistleblower policy for vendors, contractors and others, and one for employees and board members.