Client Rights Office - Mission

Division of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services
Wisconsin Department of Health and Family Services

The Client Rights Office (CRO) has responsibility for implementation and oversight of the client rights grievance procedure for service recipients of the state's two Mental Health Institutes, the state’s two Secure Treatment Centers, and the three state Centers for the Developmentally Disabled, as mandated by sec. 51.61(5) Wis. Stats. (exit DHFS; PDF - scroll to page 53) and HFS 94 (exit DHFS; PDF). The grievance procedure for state-operated facilities is a four-stage process and CRO has the role of investigating complaints at the third stage and providing quality assurance review and follow-up on the first two stages of the grievance procedure.

In addition, the State Grievance Examiner is a CRO staff member who is responsible for Level III grievances under HFS 94, Wisconsin Administrative Code. That grievance process is for individuals receiving services for mental illness, a developmental disability or substance abuse. It applies to all inpatient and outpatient programs in Wisconsin.

CRO also provides consultation to and coordination of training for service providers, county agencies, department staff, clients and guardians regarding client rights and the grievance resolution procedures under HFS 94.

To contact CRO: James Yeadon, Supervisor
Client Rights Office
Division of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services
Department of Health and Family Services
1 West Wilson Street, Room 851
P.O. Box 7851
Madison, WI 53707-7851
Phone: (608) 266-5525
E-mail: Yeadojd@dhfs.state.wi.us

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Last Updated: October 19, 2007