Investigates complaints alleging disability discrimination against a state or local government or a public accommodation (private business including, for example, a restaurant, doctor's office, retail store, hotel, etc. ). A complaint can be filed online or by mail. Those unable to write because of their disability and are unable to submit a complaint online, by mail, or facsimile, the Department can scribe the complaint by phone or, for individuals who communicate by American Sign Language, by videophone.

Operates legal clinics providing free 30 minute consultations with an attorney at multiple locations across King County. As of 9/2024, most clinics are telephonic, but there may be limited in-person availability in Seattle and Kent. Details will be provided to clients during intake screening. Clinic attorneys can: - Determine whether the client has a legal problem - Suggest possible options - Help answer papers, summons and requests - Provide appropriate referrals Neighborhood Legal Clinic attorneys may not have expertise in all areas of the law, but they will make every attempt to answer questions accurately. Attorneys CANNOT give advice on criminal legal issues or provide representation on any legal matters.

The DD Ombuds reviews complaints on behalf of people with developmental disabilities who receive state services. Complaints may relate to abuse, neglect, exploitation, or the quality of, or access to services.   The DD Ombuds provides general rights information for those who use DD services.    DD Ombuds services include: -  Information or referral. -  Tips or ideas for an individual to resolve an issue at the lowest level possible. -  Informal resolution of complaints on behalf of an individual, group, or in response to observations of the DD Ombuds. -  Monitoring facilities or residences, which includes record review and witness interviews. -  Advocacy on behalf of an individual or group to resolve a complaint. -  Data collection of non-identifying information and statistics, to recommend service improvements to the State Legislature, Governor, and service systems.

Supports individuals and their families who are being served and supported in the Washington State behavioral health system. Uses a trauma-informed approach to enhance behavioral health awareness, promote self-empowerment, and increase access to services. Assist individuals, families, and communities across WA State with behavioral health needs and concerns. The work of the OBHA is based on desired outcomes expressed by participants. Provides information and referrals to all community members and assist with complaints, grievances, appeals, Mental Health Advanced Directives, and the Fair Hearings process.

Provides free civil legal services for youth and young adults between ages 12-24 who are experiencing homelessness or housing instability.

Acts on complaints alleging that an agency's act, or failure to act, has placed a child or family at risk of harm.   Also acts on complaints involving chronic problems in the state's child welfare system.   Operates independently from the Department of Children, Youth and Families (DCYF) and other state agencies. Investigations and records are confidential and exempt from public disclosure requirements.    Specifically, helps families and children by:   -  Prompting DCYF to reassess and, where appropriate, modify its response to credible reports of suspected child abuse or neglect.   -  Prompting DCYF and other government agencies to take appropriate action to ensure the safety, well-being and permanency of abused and neglected children placed in the state's custody.   Also works to ensure appropriate family preservation and reunification.   -  Proposing corrections to existing laws, policies and procedures that hinder appropriate family preservation/reunification or children's safety, well-being or permanency.   -  Identifying and articulating to government agencies, the Governor, the Legislature and the public the needs of families and children as they relate to these issues.   -  Providing information to the public on laws and services affecting families and children who are placed under the state's supervision.   Takes further action if complaint meets the following criteria: -  The alleged act or failure to act did occur. -  It violated law, policy or procedure. Or it was clearly unreasonable. -  It was harmful to a child's safety, health, well-being, or right to a permanent family. Or it was harmful to appropriate family preservation, contact, or reunification.

The Family Service Center provides assistance to Command Ombudsmen, guidance to the Naval Station Everett Ombudsmen Assembly, and training workshops on basic and advanced Ombudsman topics.

Investigates complaints against King County executive branch departments. Common complaints include allegations of fraud, waste, abuse, and ethics violations. Reports to the County Council. Operates independently of county government's executive branch.

Helps resolve disputes, complaints and conflict between families and schools through facilitation.   Acts as a confidential, neutral third party not associated with the public school system.   Promotes school-family partnerships and provides information about the education system and referrals to education-related resources.   Helps parents concerned about a child being bullied at school.   Provides workshops and presentations and publishes materials designed to help families understand and navigate the K-12 education system.   Publications can be downloaded from the website or mailed.   Publications are translated into several languages.   The Education Ombudsman does not help with issues regarding:   -  Elected officials (such as school board members)   -  Private schools   -  Private organizations or businesses   -  Preschools, colleges and universities   Does not have the authority to force a school or school district to take a specific course of action and cannot discipline or terminate school or school district employees.   Does not provide legal advice or services.

Provides information and referrals for City of Seattle government services, such as whom to call and general operational issues. Provides information on city government department policies, procedures and codes.  Investigates complaints lodged against city of Seattle offices. (NOTE: Does not handle complaints regarding elected officials). Provides a neutral forum to file a complaint, suggestion or an opinion about a city department or service. Publishes Customer Information Guide yearly.  Conducts an impartial investigation of customer's allegations of unfairness by a city department. Recommends appropriate action and/or changes in policy and procedures to city departments or the Mayor. Provides an alternate forum for citizens to report concerns about police conduct. The Customer Service Bureau will receive and document concerns about police and file them with the Seattle Police Department Office of Police Accountability Investigation section.

Chinese Information and Service Center, Asian Bar Association of Washington, and Asian Counseling and Referral Service partner with the King County Bar Association to provide a free legal clinic. Pro bono attorneys work with staff and volunteer interpreters to give consultation and legal advice around family law, immigration law, landlord-tenant disputes, employment law, and other areas. As of 9/2024, most consults are virtual but in-person appointments may be available if needed (more information provided to clients during intake phone call). Call (206) 957-8544 for an appointment. Appointments are typically Tuesdays, 5:30-7:30 PM. International District Legal Clinic Chinese Information and Services Center 611 S Lane St. Seattle, WA 98144

Operates legal clinics providing free 30 minute consultations with an attorney. Focus is on Korean and Korean-speaking clients. Clinic attorneys can: -  Determine whether the client has a legal problem -  Suggest possible options -  Help answer papers, summons and requests -  Provide appropriate referrals   Neighborhood legal clinic attorneys may not have expertise in all areas of the law, but they will make every attempt to answer questions accurately. Attorneys CANNOT give advice on criminal legal issues or provide representation on any legal matters.

Provides information about enforcement of laws against discrimination based on race, color, national origin, disability, age, religion, and sex (including pregnancy, sexual orientation, and gender identity) by health care and human services. Also provides information, enforcement, and a complaint process for HIPPA for individuals and professionals.

Provides a fair and courteous process for resolving complaints and concerns relating to program assistance provided by the DSHS Community Services Division, such as cash, food, Housing and Essential Needs referral, and Medicaid for people who are 65 and older, blind or disabled, receiving SSI or eligible for Medicare. Addresses concerns and provides information about services and programs and how to access them.

Works to foster accountability in the homeless response system by providing information, resolving concerns, investigating complaints and monitoring trends to guide improvements in King County. The office can help with the following: - Educate, inform and provide referrals to homeless resources in King County - Respond to inquiries and concerns about homeless services and work to resolve them informally - Investigate complaints - Report community concerns to KCRHA leadership, staff and governance The office can review, investigate, and resolve issues in the following areas: - Delivery of the services, resources and activities provided for people experiencing homelessness - The administrative responsibilities of KCRHA and its contracted service providers, including contract management, performance monitoring, compliance with rules and regulations and customer service - The policies, decisions, protocols or procedures implemented by KCRHA or a contracted service provider - Other activities managed by KCRHA, including Continuum of Care responsibilities, such as Coordinated Entry or the Homeless Management Information System (HMIS)

Investigates grievance reports from people who believe they have been denied access to King County facilities, programs or services due to disability. Provides training and technical assistance to King County government in evaluating programs and services to help ensure accessibility to members of the public who have disabilities.  Only provides assistance for access issues for facilities owned and operated directly by King County.

Fields allegations regarding fraud, waste, abuse, mismanagement, or misconduct affecting Department of State programs and operations.