Office of the Ombudsperson

The Department of Developmental Services (Department) received funding through the 2022 Budget Act to establish an Office of the Ombudsperson to assist individuals and/or their families who are applying for or receiving regional center services regarding the Lanterman Developmental Disabilities Services Act. Beginning December 1, 2022, this new Office will be available to provide information, facilitate resolutions to disagreements and complaints, make recommendations to the Department, and compile and report data.

The following is contact and webpage information for the Office:

• Toll-free telephone number: 1 (877) 658-9731. Calls will be answered on workdays by an Ombudsperson staff member during the hours of 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. Outside of these hours, the caller will be able to connect to the Office’s voicemail via automated options. Ombudsperson staff will return the call by close of business the next workday.
• Email address: Ombudsperson@dds.ca.gov
• Webpage: Office of the Ombudperson