Rights, Appeals and Complaints
At GGRC, we work hard to protect our community and provide the best services possible, but we know things don’t always go perfectly. If you have a concern, disagree with a decision, or need help understanding your legal rights, this page can help. Below you’ll find information about appeals, complaints, disputes, and other important topics related to your rights and legal options.
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Rights Complaint Process (Section 4731 of the Lanterman Act)
The Rights Complaint Process can be used if you think GGRC or a GGRC service provider has violated or improperly withheld the personal rights of someone receiving services from GGRC. This process asks the regional center or provider to change their procedures to prevent future (and/or stop current) rights violations.
For more information on this process, see the “Consumer Rights Complaint Process” page on the DDS website.
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Early Start Mediation Conference Requests
Families can request an Early Start Mediation Conference to help settle disagreements about Early Start eligibility or services. These requests are submitted to the Office of Administrative Hearings.
To request an Early Start Mediation Conference, see the Early Start Mediation Conference Requests page on the DDS website.
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Early Start Due Process Hearing Requests
Families can also file an Early Start Due Process Hearing Request for issues related to eligibility or service-related disagreements between a family, GGRC and/or a local education agency. Like mediation requests (see above), these requests are submitted to the Office of Administrative Hearings.
To request an Early Start Due Process hearing, see the Early Start Due Process Hearing Requests page on the DDS website.
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Early Start State Complaint Process
The Early Start State Complaint Process lets you report possible law and regulation violations in California’s Early Start program, including those related to eligibility and services. Complaints may be filed against GGRC (or any regional center), DDS, the California Department of Education, a local education agency, or service providers.
To learn about the complaint process, see the Early Start State Complaints Process page on the DDS website.
Office of the Ombudsperson
The Office of the Ombudsperson is a free, statewide resource from the California Department of Developmental Services (DDS). Their team helps people with developmental disabilities and their families understand their rights, find answers, and get support when problems come up with Regional Center services. They can listen to concerns, explain options, and help guide you to the right next steps.