Citizen Comments and Complaints
If your problem or complaint does not fit one of the other formal processes listed on this website (for example, if you are not the client or are not authorized by the client to file a Consumer Rights/Section 4731 Complaint), Department of Developmental Services (DDS) has created a form which you may use to submit these complaints or comments to DDS. You may also use the form to acknowledge any individual, regional center, developmental center, or service provider for noteworthy service or conduct.
Consumer Rights 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.
Early Start Complaints & Appeals
For children from Birth to Age 3
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Early Start Complaint: A voluntary process is used to investigate and resolve any alleged violation of federal or state statutes or regulations governing California’s Early Start (Early Intervention). If you prefer to use the mediation conference to resolve this disagreement, please complete DS 1808. While mediation is encouraged it is not required.
Advocacy Resource List
Office of the Ombudsperson
The Ombudsperson assists regional center clients and their families to access their regional center services available under the Lanterman Act.
Ombudsperson@dds.ca.gov
(877) 658-9731
Disability Rights California
1831 K Street Sacramento, CA 95811
(916) 504-5800