In 2023, the disAbility Law Center of Virginia (dLCV) worked together with the Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Services’ (DBHDS) Office of Human Rights (OHR) to survey service recipients and their families about their experiences with the available complaint processes. In total, 126 respondents completed dLCV’s Human Rights Survey between January and May of 2023. Fifty-three of these surveys were completed with the assistance of dLCV staff during institutional and group home monitoring visits. Other surveys were completed with the assistance of Human Rights Advocates and by self-reporters who found the survey on the dLCV website or in the dLCV newsletter. The majority of respondents (99) were individuals receiving services, with only 27 surveys being completed by family members, guardians, or authorized representatives. You can read the full report below.
In May 2024 the Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Services sent dLCV a response to the 2023 Survey on the Human Rights Process at DBHDS Licensed and Operated Providers. You can read the response below