Advocare
Fall 2007
A Publication of the West Virginia Advocates, Inc.
Table of Contents
- From the Executive Director
- Death Investigation
- WVA Investigates Lack of Food for Clients in Intensive Support Setting
- WVA Staff to Serve on National Disabilities Rights Network Board of Directors and Resource Advisory Committee
- WVA's Programs and Success Stories
- Board of Directors
- About WVA
- Mission Statement
- Statement of Purpose
- Disclaimer
WVA Programs
Protection and Advocacy for Individuals with Mental Illness
Success Stories
WVA assisted a family needing assistance with issues surrounding the client's eligibility for Special Education services.
The school system allegedly attempted to retain the client for the third time and refused to test him for three (3) years.
WVA provided meeting representation and the student was found eligible for, and is now receiving Special Education services. After passing a proficiency test he was promoted two grades.
WVA assisted a client with a move from a transitional group home back to the community.
The advocate attended treatment team meetings to assure supports and services would be available upon discharge or transition. The client moved into an apartment.
The treatment plan is being implemented and the client is now receiving supports and services in the community.
Advocacy at Regional Jail
WVA was contacted by the wife of an inmate at a regional jail requesting help because her husband was being denied appropriate psychiatric treatment while he was incarcerated. The client had a history of mental illness and was currently in a regional jail without prescribed medications. WVA contacted the inmate, who requested WVA's assistance in obtaining appropriate mental health treatment and medications.
The client indicated that he was incarcerated after admission to a state mental hospital. During his stay at the hospital he was diagnosed and prescribed medications to treat depression, and post traumatic stress disorder.
Initially, the family was permitted to bring the medications for staff to administer. However, they could not afford to continue to do this due to the expense involved.
The regional jail medical staff then placed the client on a different medication for depression, and the client's condition deteriorated. The medical director at the jail refused to provide the medication prescribed by the hospital because it was not included in the jail's drug formulary list.
WVA successfully advocated with the jail's medical staff on behalf of the inmate and he received the medications prescribed by the hospital. The client sent WVA a letter stating that he was feeling much better after receiving his originally prescribed medications.
Robin Hart, Advocate
