Fairfax-Falls Church Community Services Board

CONTACT INFORMATION: Emergency - 703-573-5679 / Detox - 703-502-7000 (24/7)
703-383-8500 TTY 711
8221 Willow Oaks Corporate Drive
Fairfax, Virginia 22031
Daryl Washington
Executive Director

Department Resources

CSB Office of the Ombuds Advocate

Ways to Contact Us

 

The word Ombudsman, or Ombuds for short, means “agent or representative” and ensures the core work and culture of an organization creates value, fairness, equity and respect for the people it serves. The Fairfax-Falls Church Community Services Board (CSB) Ombuds Advocate informally assists individuals and their families receiving services from the Fairfax-Falls Church CSB in resolving service-related concerns related to mental health, substance use and developmental disabilities. 

The Ombuds Advocate provides:

  • Information and/or resources when requested and how to connect to them
  • Advocacy to improve quality of care and greater opportunities for client inclusion in service decisions.
  • Confidentiality of issues and concerns.
  • Assistance with questions about Human Rights, and how to file a formal complaint or appeal a service decision.
  • Identification of trends and makes recommendations to executive leadership for systemic improvements.

An illustration of three street signs pointing in different directions with the words 'Support', 'Assistance', and 'Guidance' on them.

Are you looking for a safe and trusted place to go for information?

Are you frustrated by what feels like other people making decisions for you, about you, but not including your voice?

Do you believe your human rights have been violated?

Have you tried multiple times to address your concerns directly, but are not satisfied with the outcome or response?

If this is how you are feeling, please consider reaching out to the CSB Advocate Ombudsman.

About the Office of the Ombuds Advocate

The Office of the Ombuds Advocate supports the mission and vision of the Fairfax-Falls Church Community Services Board (CSB). By contacting the Ombuds Advocate, clients are not prevented from pursuing any other legal right or remedy to which they may be entitled under federal or state law.

The Ombuds Advocate incorporates the International Ombudsman Association (IOA) core values of:

  • Independence,
  • Impartiality,
  • Informality and
  • Confidentiality.
     

The CSB Ombuds Advocate does not provide the following:

  • Does not provide legal advice or initiate any formal legal action.
  • Does not engage in employee personnel and human resources matters.
  • Does not change or make decisions involving policy, regulations or service appeals.
  • Does not take sides on any issues and maintains impartiality.
     

A rock cairn int the style of the scales of justice with rocks balanced at the ends of a flat rock resting single point.

What Happens Next After You Contact Us 

Step 1: Intake

Once we receive your inquiry, we will contact you to gather any additional details. If interpretation services are required at any point during the process, we will coordinate with Liberty Language Services to provide an interpreter.

Step 2: Discussion Session

Once we have a clear understanding of the concern or issue, we will coordinate with the appropriate staff or program. Meetings may be in person, virtual, or based on a conference call, depending on your availability and preference.

Step 3: Brainstorm, Advocacy and Resolution

The Ombuds Advocate will support you and the service team in developing a plan to achieve the desired outcome. If the desired outcome is not fully achievable, we will strive to advocate for comparable solutions. Additionally, recommendations for systemic improvements may be made in areas such as policy, practice, program, budget, legislative matters, or other identified areas.

Your rights

If you have a complaint

CSB Policy 3100 - Consumer Dispute Resolution131.26 KB
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