Abuse & Neglect - Monitoring
NADLC monitors various facilities where Native Americans with disabilities live, work, or receive services to make sure the rights of Native Americans with disabilities are being respected and that Native Americans with disabilities are in a safe environment. Facilities that we monitor may include, but are not limited to: group homes, day programs, and, nursing homes. Facilities may be both state-run or privately owned/operated.

During monitoring we talk to individuals with disabilities and facility staff. We look for signs  of abuse or neglect, and things that could harm someone. Our monitoring work can uncover issues of abuse or neglect, that we may then investigate or take other follow-up action to address. Investigations NADLC has the authority to investigate incidents of abuse or neglect in facilities where people with disabilities live, work, or receive services. We can investigate when we receive a complaint or report of abuse or neglect, or when we believe that abuse or neglect has happened or may happen. 

We investigate complaints or reports of abuse or neglect in a variety of ways. Often we review records (including videos and pictures) and ask questions about what happened. If we substantiate the complaint or report, we can ask that changes be made so no one else is harmed. Systemic Advocacy NADLC engages in systemic advocacy when we uncover abuse, neglect, or exploitation. We may advocate for facilities to change policies and procedures to prevent future abuse, neglect, or exploitation. We may also advocate for systems that provide services to people with disabilities or are in charge of investigating abuse, neglect, or exploitation to change their policies and practices to better protect people with disabilities. Abuse or Neglect Concern? If you have a concern about possible abuse, neglect, or exploitation of a person with a disability in a facility, please contact NADLC. You can make a report to NADLC anonymously.