(a) Application. This Section describes advocacy services the Office of Client Advocacy (OCA) provides to Developmental Disabilities Services Division (DDSD) clients who are not otherwise eligible for OCA advocacy services but who have a special short-term need for advocacy assistance.
(b) Requests for services. Any DDSD client or the client's guardian, case manager, or next of kin can request short-term advocacy services for the client by contacting the advocate general or designee. Written requests which explain the nature of the advocacy need are encouraged, but verbal requests are accepted. Factors considered in granting requests include:
- (1) whether the advocacy need is a matter within OCA jurisdiction;
- (2) the existence of other resources to meet the client's need; and
- (3) the urgency of the need.
(c) Advocacy provided. When a request for short-term advocacy has been granted, the assigned advocate provides the support and advocacy appropriate given the nature of the problem and any imminent harm.
- (1) The advocate, in consultation with his or her supervisor, prepares a time-limited plan for achieving the goals of the advocacy need.
- (2) Short-term advocacy assistance is provided for up to three months. When necessary, the OCA advocacy programs administrator may extend the special advocacy assignment. • 1