ATLANTA (GA) - The Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Disabilities (DBHDD) invites Georgians to participate in a Human Rights Council (HRC), an advisory review body tasked with determining rights violations. To ensure the protection and safety of persons with developmental disabilities across the state, HRC meetings will convene on a quarterly basis in each of the agency’s six regions. DBHDD requests that volunteers have experience in one of the following eight categories: medical professional, pharmacist, self-advocate, parent or guardian, law professional, business or faith community leader, educator and advocacy professional.

“We take seriously any suggestion that the rights of the people we serve aren't being protected and this Human Rights Council will help us determine if those allegations are true and what we can do about it,” said Dr. Frank E. Shelp, DBHDD Commissioner.

HRC members will review various types of allegations, including suspected individual rights violations and support plans involving psychotropic drugs. HRC will also review all requests for participation of individuals receiving developmental disability services in experimental research to ensure practices are in line with DBHDD standards.

If you are interested in volunteering or would like more information about the HRC, please contact Candace B. Clay by email ([email protected]) or by telephone (404-657-2286).

Contact Information:

Kristie Swink ([email protected])