HOW TO FILE a Formal COMPLAINT

Don't worry about filing a formal complaint. It's just another method of having your voice heard. 

A formal complaint is a way to say that you aren't getting the service you think you should get. You can also formally complain when a decision has been made about a service you're getting and you don't think it is the right decision for you.

When you file a formal complaint, there will be an investigation. This may sound scary or like you might get in trouble, but the State and the Governor's offices need to hear about your concerns. If they don't know about them, they can't take action.

We've simplified the formal complaint process for you, making it as easy as possible. 

• STEP ONE
• STEP TWO
• STEP THREE

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First, talk with your Service Coordinator or Personal Agent.​​​​​​​​​​

If talking with your service coordinator or personal agent doesn't resolve your complaint:

• Ask to speak to their supervisor, or
• Ask your service coordinator or personal agent for a complaint form, or
• Write a letter to your service coordinator or personal agent about your complaint

File complaints with the agencies of your choice. Each form will tell you more about the process, and what to expect.
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• Oregon Developmental Disability Services (ODDS) Complaints. This is the state's "official" complaint process. You can complain by filling out this form and sharing it with your Personal Agent or County Case Manager.
• Governor’s Advocacy Office. This office is charged with screening and oversight of complaints for Oregon Developmental Disability Services (ODDS). You can complain by filling out this PDF or this Word document and sharing as instructed.
• Disability Rights of Oregon. This is a legal advocacy organization charged with promoting the rights of people experiencing intellectual/developmental disabilities. They don’t necessarily take on individual legal cases, but they do hear complaints to address concerns that impact a wide variety of people. You can fill out the "Get Help From DRO" form here.​

​Resources

If you're having trouble thinking about what to write, here are some examples.

Sample FORMAL COMPLAINT FROM CUstOmer

SAMPLE COMPLAINT LETTER FROM PROVIDER

Examples of CONCERNS From Service Recipients:

• I cannot find a caregiver.
• I worry how long my caregivers will stay.
• I do not feel like my caregivers have time to get to know me.
• I worry about my safety.
• I am tired of training new caregivers.
• I feel like having so many people in and out of my home and life is affecting my dignity, privacy and safety.

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Examples of Concerns From Caregivers and Professionals:

• ​I am passionate about providing quality services, but I can't pay my bills.
• It's very difficult to keep having to transfer relationships, as I sub in and out of households.
• I'm exhausted from having to work so much overtime due to staffing vacancies.
• I worry about my customers' health and safety with so many staff people coming and going.

WANT TO FIND OUT MORE? HAVE A QUESTION?

Call UCP Oregon's Executive Director (Ann Coffey) at 971-235-9543, or email her below.

EMAIL ANN