Advocacy and Legal Resources

Is there an organization that can help me with my child's IEP

My child's IEP is coming up soon. I would like to have a legal advocate there with me. Is there an organization that can help me with this?

There are a number of special education advocacy services in the Los Angeles area. A great resource that would be able to refer you to an appropriate advocate is your local Regional Center. In addition, a great internet resource is ISER (Internet Special Education Resources). They provide a nationwide directory of special education advocacy services (www.iser.com/CAadvocacy.html). I was told by another parent that my child might qualify for something called "Regional Center." What is this, and how can I find out if they can help us?

Regional Centers are community based organizations which contract with the State Department of Developmental Services (DDS) to coordinate the services and supports for individuals with developmental disabilities and their families.

What does a 5150 mean?

A 5150 is a legal hold imposed on a person that is be lieved to be in need of involuntary psychiatric treatment in California. The person is believed to be at least one of the following:

What benefits are available to those suffering from mental illness?

The benefits depend on the degree of disability. Those that are simply unable to work as a result of their illness may qualify to receive full benefits under the Federal Social Security Program. You can learn more about this at www.ssa.gov.

Those individuals who suffer from a disability or are over the age of 65 may qualify to receive Medicare, which is a federally funded national health insurance system (www.medicare.gov). Low-income individuals may qualify for Medi-Cal, California's Medicaid health care program (www.dhs.ca.gov/mcs/medi-calhome).

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How do I find out if I qualify for disability benefits?

I was told that, because of my mental illness, I may qualify for disability benefits. Who should I talk to in order to learn more about this?

You can learn more about disability benefits, as well as apply online at www.ssa.gov, or you can call (800)772-1213.

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Are there organizations that investigate cashing disability benefits checks?

I worry that my loved one's disability benefits checks are being cashed by someone who doesn't have his or her best interests in mind. Are there any organizations that investigate this kind of situation?

Protection and Advocacy, Inc. would be a good agency to contact this type of issue (800-776-5747, www.pai-ca.org).

Are there any advocacy groups specifically for homeless people who are mentally ill?

The National Mental Health Association of Greater Los Angeles offers Homeless Assistance Programs. The programs help individuals find housing and get the mental healthcare and general health care they need (888-242-2522, or www.mhala.org).

You can also contact Protection and Advocacy, Inc. (PAI), a nonprofit agency in California that advances the human and legal rights of people with disabilities. You can reach them at (800)776-5747, or at their Los Angeles office at (800)781-4546. Their website is www.pai-ca.org.

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