A day in the life of a CRA

I am Katie Casada, a client’s rights advocate (CRA) at North Los Angles County Regional Center. As an attorney, I have experience in children’s rights, special education law, and dependency court. Here is an idea of an average day in my office.

Intakes are for short-term help

Normally, I have about 40 intakes and six to eight cases open. An “intake” is short-term assistance. For example, if a person calls asking about conservatorships, I might send her PAI’s conservatorship booklet.

Cases need more time

A “case” involves more time — investigating a complaint, attending a hearing or a mediation. I also provide technical assistance — letters, case citations or other information — to help families and regional center service coordinators resolve their differences.

Unfortunately, I can’t take every case. When a call comes in, my assistant CRA, Ada Quintero, and I look at the merits of the case, the consumer’s ability to self advocate, other advocacy sources available, whether the case is a PAI priority, and my current case load.

No choice in some cases

Today I got a Welfare and Institutions Code 4731 complaint. By law, I have to investigate the complaint, apply the law to the facts, and propose a resolution. I only have 10 working days to make my final written report.

Complaints vary

Some 4731 complaints are against the regional center. Others involve service providers. In one case, I found a service provider had denied Jim K* his right to keep and spend his own money. I proposed that the provider give the money back and that her staff get training in clients’ rights.

Overpayment decision reversed

In another case, the Social Security Administration (SSA) said that Lyla P* owed $18,000 that SSA had overpaid during her appeal. At a conference, we explained why she should not have to repay it, and SSA granted a waiver.

Child stays in public school

Another case involved Jeremy B*. He was in a public preschool class for children with disabilities. School officials said he was uncontrollable. They wanted to put him in home school — for his safety and that of other children. I talked to his behaviorist and reviewed his school records. At the IEP meeting, they gave Jeremy B a one-to-one aide with specialized training in behavior therapy. He is still in public school.
Decisions affect treatment

This afternoon I have a Behavior Modification Review Committee meeting. At these meetings, a behaviorist, a physician and I make decisions about appropriate treatment for consumers who are under Department of Developmental Services conservatorship. Most deal with medication reviews or restraints. To protect the consumer’s rights, I need to weigh the potential benefit of a treatment or intervention against the potential harm.
Training gets information out.

Later, I will prepare for a training. I do a monthly clients’ rights training for new regional center staff and quarterly training on conservatorship and diversion. Recently, I did two self-advocacy trainings for a job-training program. At these trainings, I give people information they need, and let them know about my services and resources. Because my assistant speaks Spanish, we can reach the Spanish-speaking community.

Each day brings something new

Every day is different. New legal issues come up all the time. That’s what makes this job exciting — I never know what the day will bring.

*Client names are fictitious.