Developmental Disabilities Fatality Review Committee

Total public members:           4         

Method of Appointment:       Appointed by Mayor, confirmed by Council        

Length of Appointment:        3 years

Residency:                              District residency required

Paid board:                             No (all roles are voluntary)

Description:

The Committee shall examine events and circumstances surrounding the deaths of District residents over the age of 18 years with an intellectual disability and/or a qualifying developmental disability in order to:  safeguard and improve the health, safety and welfare of District residents with an intellectual disability and/or a qualifying developmental disability; reduce the number of preventable deaths; and promote improvement and integration of both the public and private systems serving District residents with an intellectual disability and/or a qualifying intellectual disability.

Committee membership:

A minimum of five public members from the community who shall not be employees of the District government, and up to three of whom shall be clinicians with experience in the area of evaluation, treatment and/or support of persons with an intellectual disability or developmental disability. Based on availability, the public members may include at least:

a. One faculty member from a school of Social Work at a college or university located in the District;

b. One physician who practices in the District with experience in the evaluation and treatment of persons with an intellectual disability or developmental disability;

c. One psychiatrist, psychologist, or mental health professional who is licensed to practice in the District with experience in the evaluation and treatment of persons with an intellectual disability or developmental disability; and

d. One member of the community, who has an intellectual disability, is a family member of a person with an intellectual disability or who works for an organization that advocates for those with intellectual disabilities in the District.

Qualifications:

Expertise in relevant disciplines and their familiarity with the laws, standards and services related to the protection of the health and welfare of individuals with an intellectual disability or a developmental disability. As such, the composition of the Committee shall reflect medical and clinical professionals from various disciplines who serve consumers with an intellectual disability or developmental disabilities, and persons representing the advocacy community. All newly appointed Committee members shall be District residents.

Time commitment:  

The Commission has monthly meetings; subcommittees meet as required to complete tasks.

If you are interested in an appointment to this board, please complete the appointment application. A member of our team will contact you to discuss the opportunity.