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Resources for Individuals

Information for Individuals Receiving Services from Licensed Providers and State Operated Facilities

All individuals receiving services have the right to be treated with dignity and respect, to be told about their treatment, to have a say in their treatment, to speak to others in private, to have their complaints resolved, to say what they prefer, to ask questions and be told about their rights, and to get help with their rights.

Additionally, all individuals receiving services have the right to file a complaint against their service provider should they feel their rights have been violated. Individuals may also have someone file a complaint on their behalf. Any individual who needs to file a complaint may do so by informing their service provider of the complaint or contacting their Human Rights Advocate. The contact information for the Office of Human Rights can be found on all “It’s Your Right” posters located in each service location.

Important Information

Access the Human Rights Regulations by clicking the link below.

The Regional Map below identifies the assigned Regional Human Rights Manager for the licensed providers in each of the five regions, as well as the Senior Human Rights Manager for all of our state operated facilities. Individuals (or their substitute decision maker) who would like to make a Human Rights complaint directly to the Office of Human Rights, may do so by calling or emailing the Regional Human Rights Manager or Senior Human Rights Manager for State Operated Facilities using the contact information linked below. Contact the Manager assigned to the Region where the provider or facility involved in the alleged violation is located.

Other helpful information

For additional helpful information for complaints related to agencies outside of DBHDS, please see below contact sheet listing additional entities complaint contact information:

Referral Sheet for Non-DBHDS complaints

The following link is to a sample of the terms and definitions taken from the Human Rights Regulations. This is not an exhaustive list of definitions. You may review the entire list of terms and definitions by clicking the Human Rights Regulations link above.

Senate Bill 569 linked here: Bill Tracking – 2024 session > Legislation directs DBHDS to convene a work group to propose additional regulations to allow for the use of (i) evidence-based and recovery-oriented seclusion and restraint practices and (ii) alternative behavior management practices that may limit or replace the use of seclusion and restraint in hospitals, residential programs, and licensed facilities. The bill further requires the Department to submit a report of its findings, recommendations, and proposed regulations to the General Assembly by November 1, 2025.

Please see the terminology glossary below, used within the workgroup to explain important terms used in behavioral health.

Local Human Rights Committees (LHRC) and State Human Rights Committee (SHRC)

The Local Human Rights Committees (LHRC) and State Human Rights Committee (SHRC) ensures due process for the individuals within our service delivery system.

The LHRCs and SHRC consist, in part, of individuals receiving services. If you are an individual receiving services, or you know of an individual receiving services, considering volunteering for a LHRC in your area or for the SHRC.

More information on the LHRCs and the SHRC, along with the applications, can be found on the LHRC & SHRC tab of the Office of Human Rights webpage.

Making My Own Decisions

According to the Human Rights Regulations, all individuals have a right to participate meaningfully in decisions regarding all aspects of services affecting them. Individuals retaining their capacity are able to consent to treatment, services, or research, or authorize disclosure of information. However, individuals retaining their capacity may desire support in making certain decisions. Supported decision-making can help individuals retain their capacity or increase their capacity to make decisions. Virginia’s Supported Decision-Making Agreement is designed to help individuals who have capacity document the type and level of support they desire, as well as who they want to support them. Please review information on Supported Decision-Making Agreements by clicking here.

So you and others are aware of your rights – please feel free to download your own “It’s My Right!” pocket card and letter below:

HR Access

HR Access is an initiative to assist individuals, authorized representatives, family members and other stakeholders with expanding their understanding of Human Rights. It is important to know that each individual receiving services is valued and their rights are guaranteed and protected while in services.

An Interview with the Office of Human Rights by Rights Here, Rights Now! • A podcast on Anchor

Rights Here, Rights Now!

By disAbility Law Center of VA

Rights Here, Rights Now! is a disAbility Law Center of Virginia podcast. The disAbility Law Center of Virginia is the protection and advocacy agency for people with disabilities in Virginia. This is the trailer episode where we discuss the purpose of the podcast and what is to come! Full episode transcription in episode details.