Investigations-Draft

As New Hampshire’s federally designated Protection and Advocacy agency, we are authorized by federal law to investigate potential abuse or neglect of individuals with disabilities in facilities. We have a unique access authority to monitor the rights and safety of people with disabilities, whether or not an incident of abuse or neglect has been alleged. This monitoring authority includes on-site access to facilities and programs serving individuals with disabilities, as well as the opportunity to speak with residents and staff.

Our staff conduct monitoring visits to around 20 institutions throughout the state each month and the Disability Facility Hub is an important extension of this work.

Three federal statutes provide DRC-NH the authority described above:  the Developmental Disabilities Assistance and Bill of Rights Act of 2000, 42 U.S.C. § 15043; the Protection and Advocacy for Individuals with Mental Illness Act of 1986, 42 U.S.C. § 10805; and the Protection and Advocacy of Individual Rights program of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, 29 U.S.C. § 794e