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The Handbook:
Table of Contents
Introduction
Brain Disorders
Coping in Crisis
Medications
Resources for Care
Effects on the Family
Public Health Services
Financial Resources
Working with the System
Appendices:
NAMI Phone Numbers
DuPage Health Services
Chicago Area Hospitals
Community Resources
Legal Resources
Books, Videos, Journals
Hospitalization Form
Judicial Admission Form
Declaration of Treatment
Drug Reimbursement
An Affiliate of the National Alliance on Mental Illness
Complaints, Grievances and Legal Resources
Following is a list of sources to contact or actions to take when there are specific complaints or grievances:
a. Discuss the problem with the treatment team leader. This may resolve it; if not, you may also contact the supervisor or the director of the agency or hospital.
b. Persons in a state hospital or receiving mental health services may contact the Illinois Department of Professional Regulation, Complaint Intake Unit, 100 W. Randolph, Suite 9-300, Chicago, IL 60601. M - F, 8:30 AM - 5:00 PM. (312) 814-4500. Website: www.dpr.state.il.us
c. Contact Equip for Equality, 11 E. Adams, Suite 1200, Chicago, IL 60603. (312) 341-0022. The toll free telephone number is (800) 537-2632.
d. Contact NAMI of DuPage County, (630) 752-0066, a strong advocate for the mentally ill and their families.
e. American Civil Liberties Union, 180 North Michigan, Suite 2300, Chicago, IL 60601. (312) 201-9740 or (800) 572-1092. Fax (312) 201-9760) for legal cases involving civil rights of mental patients.
f. Guardianship and Advocacy Commission: (708) 338-7500 or toll-free at (866) 274-8023. Intake M-F 8:30-5:00. A State of Illinois service in Hines, IL (at Madden Mental Health Center) which protects the rights of the mentally ill and helps in other ways.
g. The Americans with Disabilities Act guarantees equal opportunity for individuals with disabilities in public accommodations, employment, transportation, state and local government services and telecommunications. For information and referral: (800) 669-4000. For publications: (800) 669-3362.
h. If you have a loved one in a state hospital and have legitimate complaints that bear investigation, you may contact the Office of the Inspector General (OIG), The Bureau of Investigations, 901 Southwind Road, Springfield, IL 62703. (217) 786-6829. They also handle complaints against community agencies, such as CILAs and group homes.
i. If the problem seems to be a violation of professional ethics or law, contact the ethics committee of the relevant professional organization.
Some professional organizations are:
DuPage County Medical Society, Glen Ellyn: patient/physician relationships only. 858-9603.
Illinois Nurses Association, 300 S. Wacker Drive, Ste. 2200, Chicago, IL 60606. (312) 419-2900.
Illinois Psychiatric Society, Chicago, IL. Conducts ethics review for members within the IPS membership only; can provide psychiatric referrals. For complaints or grievances, contact the ethics administrator. (312) 263-7391.
Illinois Psychological Association, 203 N. Wabash, Suite 1404, Chicago, IL 60601. Illinois Chapter: (312) 372-7610.
National Association of Social Workers, Illinois Chapter (Chicago): advocate of sound mental health policy. 312-236-8308 or toll-free: (877) 9NASWIL or 962-7945.
Website: www.naswil.org
Other significant legal resources are:
Assistant State's Attorney, Civil Division, 505 North County Farm Road, Wheaton, IL 60187. 682-7056 or 682-7535.
DuPage County Bar Association: lawyer referral, fee required. 653-9109. DuPage County Bar Legal Aid Service. 653-6212.
Illinois Judges Association, Plymouth Court, Chicago, IL. (312) 431-1283.
Prairie State Legal Services, 350 South Schmale Road #150, Carol Stream, IL 60188. Legal services for low income families and individuals. 690-2130 or toll-free (800) 690-2130.
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