Advocacy Service Projects at Fairview Developmental Center

The Clients’ Rights Advocate (CRA) at Fairview Developmental Center (FDC) is responsible for ensuring that the rights of each resident of FDC are guaranteed, protected and asserted. People with Developmental Disabilities have the same legal rights and responsibilities guaranteed all other individuals living in the United States. The Clients’ Rights Advocate at Fairview Developmental Center provides services through contract between the State Council, Area Board XI, and the Department of Developmental Services.

The Clients’ Rights Advocate at Fairview may be involved in:

• Investigation of all suspected rights violations under Title 17 and the Lanterman Act.
• Assisting in the filing of 4731 Complaints.
• Providing legal and administrative assistance or representation to ensure residents’ right to due process.
• Monitoring and reviewing the facility’s denials of rights. Providing training and information to FDC staff, residents and family members.

Anyone living at Fairview Developmental Center, or anyone advocating for a resident of Fairview, may call the CRA.

Area Board Advocacy Services Projects were created to ensure that people living in state developmental centers, and those who have moved back into their home communities, receive all the supports and services to which they are entitled.  Project Coordinators and Volunteer Advocates assist people who have no family members, conservators, or legally appointed representatives to help them in making choices and decisions. 

The Project Coordinator and Volunteer Advocates provide advocacy services to their clients:

• at annual and semi-annual individual planning meeting (IPPs);
• in making choices and decisions, including transitioning to community living; and
• by referring suspected clients’ rights violations to the Clients’ Rights Advocate

Advocates who serve as representatives for people who transition to the community do so for at least six months following placement, and thereafter at the request of the individual, authorized representative, conservator, or at the discretion of the Area Board.

Volunteer Advocates make a commitment to meet with their assigned clients at least twice monthly. The bimonthly meetings give Volunteer Advocates the opportunity to spend time with clients, as well as caregivers, to learn how they may best advocate for the clients’ needs and wishes.  In addition to monthly meetings, Volunteer Advocates also attend IPPs and other meetings where their advocacy may be necessary.  The Project Coordinator recruits, trains, and supervises Volunteer Advocates.

If you are interested in becoming a Volunteer Advocate, please contact the Project Coordinator or download the below application and return via e-mail or facsimile.