New Jersey Creates Ombudsman for Disability Services

Posted By: Sam Fogelgaren on January 12, 4:24 AM

Earlier this week, Governor Chris Christie signed A-3824 into law. The law 'establishes Office of Ombudsman for individuals with intellectual or developmental disabilities and their families.'

From Lilo H. Stainton of NJ Spotlight: "Estimated to cost anywhere from $150,000 to $1.9 million annually, depending on its workload, the ombudsman and a limited staff would be responsible for helping individuals access appropriate federal, state, and local services; assisting them with communications with government agencies and dispute resolution, while serving as neutral arbitrators; identifying patterns of complaints and recommend improvements; and working with state agencies to better reach those they serve. In addition, the office would be required to report its work to state officials, the governor and the lawmaker each year."

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