Office of Human Rights
Southside Virginia Training Center is committed to the philosophy that persons with mental retardation receive quality care consistent with basic human dignity. The center assures the personal dignity of each client within reasonable capabilities and limitations. Services, which are client-centered, highly individualized and functional, are provided in the least intrusive and least restrictive manner for growth and development in an integrated, diverse environment.
Virginia Office for Protection and Advocacy
The Virginia Office for Protection and Advocacy (VOPA) is an independent state agency which provides protection and advocacy for people with developmental disabilities in a facility or hospital. Toll free telephone number: 1-800-552-3962.
Advocacy System for Client Rights
SVTC assures and affirms client rights that are protected by the Constitution, Federal and State laws. Affirmation of client rights is a part of ALL treatment provided by the Center. Staff persons respect client rights and promote dignity by affording opportunities for client choices and participation in decision making. Clients or the Legally Authorized Representatives are given notice and assistance with these rights, and they are assured a speedy and impartial review of alleged rights violations. The development of policies and procedures initiate proactive interventions and investigations of alleged abuse and neglect through the implementation of a state-wide advocacy system. When monitoring the client’s rights, the client advocate for SVTC acts as a mediator between clients, Legally Authorized Representatives, relatives, staff and the administration.
Local Human Rights Committee
A Local Human Rights Committee (LHRC) is comprised of volunteers who represent mental health, mental retardation and substance abuse services, professional groups and consumer groups. The committee’s responsibility is to perform certain functions specified in the book entitled “Rules and Regulations of Individuals Receiving Services from Providers of the Department of Mental Health, Mental Retardation, and Substance Abuse Services”. The State Human Rights Committee appoints members to the LHRC.
The LHRC plays a vital role by: 1) conducting fact finding hearings and making recommendations for resolution of complaints not resolved informally; 2) reviewing and making recommendations concerning policies, procedures, practices, treatment plans and restrictive programming; 3) reviewing and making recommendations concerning requests for variance to the Human Rights Regulations; and 4) performing other oversight functions in the Local Human Rights Bylaws.