Receives and investigates complaints alleging unlawful discrimination that violates state and federal civil rights laws. The complaint process is twofold. First, the DHR investigates complaints alleging discrimination in employment, places of public accommodation, and education institutions in violation of the Virginia Human Rights Act or corresponding federal laws. The DHR will also provide mediation services throughout the complaint process to all the parties to resolve the dispute themselves. If we do not have subject matter jurisdiction over the allegations set forth in a complaint, we will, whenever possible, refer that complaint to the appropriate state or federal agency with jurisdiction. At the conclusion of an investigation, the DHR is charged with determining whether there is reasonable cause to believe discrimination occurred. Safeguards individuals within the Commonwealth from unlawful discrimination because of race, color, religion, national origin, sex, pregnancy, childbirth or related medical conditions, age, marital status or disability.

The Protection and Advocacy for Individuals with Mental Illness Act funds this program to provide legal and advocacy services for people with mental illness who live in a hospital or other facility providing care and treatment for their illness. People who have problems while being taken to or from a facility, getting admitted to a facility, or within 90 days of leaving a facility may also be eligible for PAIMI services. Depending on federal funding levels, persons with mental illness who live in the community independently or with family or friends may also be eligible. PAIMI protects the right to: obtain appropriate services; make complaints about services or treatment; ask questions of anyone who is supposed to provide services or treatment; be safe from harm; make decisions about services received; keep records private; and have a written plan in place before leaving a mental health facility.

Domestic Violence Social Worker will accompany victims of domestic abuse to request a protective order in Bedford Court System. The domestic violence social worker will provide referrals to attorneys, prepare victims for their experience in the courtroom and assist victims in preparing a personalized safety plan.

Provides online information on promoting communication for people with hearing loss. Provide a list financial assistance resources for hearing technology and support services that are not covered by insurance.

The Norfolk Family Justice Center is a multi-agency center that co-locates law enforcement officers, prosecutors, civil legal assistance, victim-witness advocates, social service specialists, a Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner (SANE) clinic, Physical Evidence Recovery Kits (PERKS) can be completed, and victim services including a crisis hotline and intervention, victim advocacy, counseling support groups, wellness classes, and childcare.

Long Term Care Ombudsman: An advocate that helps older adults have a voice in what happens to them, ensures their quality of care meets the standards set forth in state and federal laws and guidelines, and works with residents, families, and management to ensure that nursing home and assisted living facility residents are treated with dignity and respect. Senior Patrol Program: Recruits and trains volunteers to spot and report Medicare and Medicaid fraud and abuse as well as educate the senior population. Elder Abuse Prevention Program: Focuses on the prevention of abuse, neglect, and exploitation of older adults through community awareness programs, education, and training.

Serves as a resource to the Board of Supervisors by identifying and advising on issues of importance to people with physical and sensory disabilities, their families and caregivers. Its members work with county staff, community partners and businesses to strive to make Loudoun an accessible and inclusive community for all people.

Provide access to care, in-person and online education and support with tools and information for all stages of pregnancy.

Responsible for city-wide substance abuse prevention planning and coalition building. Provides a wide range of Substance Abuse prevention programs in partnership with City Schools and other youth serving agencies and serve on coalitions designed to reduce substance use in the Virginia Beach Community.

Provides advocacy and support for victims of domestic violence. Call the Victim/Witness Program if: *for questions about your role as a witness; *would like an explanation of court procedures or a courtroom tour before you testify; *want assistance filing for victims' compensation; *need a referral to social services agencies that provide emergency financial assistance; *would like someone to escort you to court; *have received crime related threats or harassment; *need information regarding the status of your case; *want a referral to legal aid. If you are the victim of a crime you may be entitled to the following: *PROTECTION: separate waiting area while your case is being heard. *FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE: prompt return of property being held as evidence as the conclusion of the case and information about filing for Crime Victims' Compensation. *NOTIFICATION: employer contact to ensure that you are excused from work while appearing in court as a victim or witness. Case status and disposition information about your case. Notification from a local jail or the penitentiary of the convicted assailant's release or name change. Notification from the Attorney General's Office of an appeal being granted (All upon written request which can be accomplished through the Victim/Witness Program) without cost to you. *VICTIM INPUT: submission of a victim impact statement after defendant's conviction. Ability to remain in court during your case, unless excluded as a material witness or by order of the court. *COURTROOM ASSISTANCE: confidentiality of your address, phone number and place of employment (on request). Provision of an interpreter during court proceedings. *RESTITUTION: the defendant can be ordered by the court to pay a restitution to the victim of the crime. If the victim has had medical costs, damage or loss resulting from an offense, the court may order the victim be reimbursed by the defendant.

Dedicated to improving the lives of persons living with serious mental illness and their families. Offers support, education, advocacy and research for people living with mental illness through various activities.

The court advocacy program can assist with filing for immediate and long-term protective orders, provide education about the legal system, accompaniment to court hearings, and connection to legal resources. The court advocate is a trained professional who will support you throughout the process and connect you to any resources you might need. To access this service, contact our Court Advocate at [email protected] or call 804-365-3208.

Provides senior advocacy services.

PEATC provides on-on-one assistance, informational resources, and trainings to families of children with disabilities, youth with disabilities to age 26 and the professionals who serve them. We empower families and youth with the knowledge needed to make informed decisions about their lives and successfully navigate the special education and disability services systems. Our services are free and confidential.

Works to help older Virginians live as independently as possible by having services in place to help them maintain their dignity and security. Our web site provides information that aging Virginians, their families and caregivers can use in making important decisions about their lives and the lives of their loved ones The Division for Aging Services works with 25 local Area Agencies on Aging (AAAs) as well as various other public and private organizations to help older Virginians, their families and loved ones find the services and information they need.

Multidisciplinary Team response to child abuse victims. Team response includes the communities of Franklin County, Henry County, the City of Martinsville, and Patrick County. Members participate on the community-based teams and review active abuse and neglect cases to make certain any services needed by victims are made available. This office facilitates forensic interviews, medical and clinical assessments, victim advocacy, and comprehensive case management. In addition, the team facilitates assisting victims in filing claims with the Criminal Injuries Compensation Fund.

The Legal Aid Justice Center partner with tenants and community organizations to fight for affordable housing, reasonable housing conditions, racial justice in housing, and equitable housing policies. Services include representing tenants facing eviction and in other landlord/tenant disputes, organizing with tenants experiencing unfair conditions, and advocating for better housing policies across the state. We have a particular focus on supporting tenants in public housing.

Consumer-run peer support facility is provided for people with a history of mental illness or a current mental health diagnosis in support of their recovery efforts. Services include peer support, advocacy, education, socialization and recreational opportunities.

Provides services to those in need in inner city Portsmouth, through acts of advocacy for the poor and disadvantaged.

ThisABILITY is dedicated to serving children and adults with disabilities in the community. We are committed to providing a supportive and inclusive environment where individuals of all abilities can thrive and participate in a variety of enriching activities. There are weekly events and activities, Tuesdays & Thursdays and a support group for parents and caregivers.

Strives to improve the well-being of all blind and visually impaired people by: serving as a representative national organization of blind people; elevating the social, economic and cultural levels of blind people; improving educational and rehabilitation facilities and opportunities; cooperating with the public and private institutions and organizations concerned with blind services; encouraging and assisting all blind people to develop their abilities; and conducting a public education program to promote greater understanding of blindness and the capabilities of blind people.

Fights for social justice for all people.

Provides assistance to veterans, widows and dependent children in filing disability compensation and pension claims through the United States and Virginia Departments of Veterans Affairs. Provides multiple programs to assist veterans and their families. Call for more information about a wide variety of services.

Provides the following services for witnesses and victims: Answer questions about witness roles, explain court procedures, assist in filing for compensation, aid in finding community service agencies, recover personal property being held for evidence in a timely manner, keep victims informed regarding the status of the case.

Provides a support and advocacy group for family and friends of those suffering from mental illness. We welcome all concerned individuals -- parents, siblings, spouses and friends - who want to learn how to help or how to cope with when there is mental illness. Person with mental illness who would like to share information or learn more are also welcomed. Provides education, support, advocacy, a library and referrals. Also has a bus and operates own transportation when needed.