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• Mental Health and Habilitation Branch
• Counsel for Child Abuse and Neglect Branch
• Adoption Day
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Related Information
	Mental Health and Habilitation Branch
	FAQs

Mental Habilitation Advocate Program

Mission Statement

The mission of the District of Columbia Mental Habilitation Volunteer Advocates Program is to recruit and provide a corps of volunteer advocates. The purpose of the advocate is to assist mentally and developmentally disabled clients whose cases are under the jurisdiction of the Superior Court of the District of Columbia. Volunteer Advocates are to be committed to ensuring that their clients’ constitutional rights are protected and that the clients are receiving appropriate care and treatment. The ultimate goal of the Mental Habilitation Volunteer Advocates Program is to enhance the client’s quality of life by acting as a liaison between the client and the community. The program’s mission is also to promote individual advocacy and to provide effective monitoring of services received. This is done in collaboration with constituents, their families, and the community.

Advocate Requirements

1. Complete Volunteer Advocate Application and provide two references
2. Pass a criminal history background check
3. Complete required advocate training provided by the court
4. Commit to a minimum of 1visit per month
5. Attend annual Court Hearings and ISP meetings

Advocate Responsibilities

1. Inform the client of their rights
2. Visit clients in residential settings and vocational facilities
3. Interact with agencies to secure services
4. Communicate with client’s attorney and case management team
5. Attend hearings, conferences, and meetings regarding the habilitation of clients
6. Address the emotional, social, and personal needs of the client

If you would like more information on the program or are interested in becoming an advocate, you may contact the Volunteer Advocate Coordinator or click on the link below for an application.

Click Here for Application