Preventing Harm & Promoting Accountability
The Georgia Advocacy Office’s top priority is preventing abuse, neglect, and preventable deaths of people with disabilities across the state. GAO works toward this goal by investigating reports of abuse and neglect, including those involving death, in any setting where people with disabilities receive services. We also conduct regular monitoring visits to group homes, day programs, personal care homes, skilled nursing facilities, jails, public and private intermediate care facilities (ICFs), and hospitals to assess conditions, treatment, and the quality of support provided. We recognize that people who are isolated from natural support systems, especially those in segregated settings, are at increased risk. That’s why we advocate for their discharge into inclusive community settings with appropriate Home and Community-Based Services. In addition to direct monitoring and advocacy, GAO actively participates in coalitions, workgroups, and initiatives to advance systems change and build a safer, more just Georgia for people with disabilities. GAO also provides education and training regarding abuse prevention and upholding the rights of people with disabilities. Through this education, people with disabilities and their allies are better equipped to prevent abuse and neglect.