This site provides important information about two distinct and related Office of Justice and Civil Rights (OJCR) programs established by DSHS in 2023 to further equity, diversity, and inclusion goals. The Third Party Investigations Unit reviews civil rights complaints involving third parties such as clients, customers, patients, vendors, contractors, or service providers doing business with DSHS. The Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) program provides a broad range of conflict resolution training and tools to support a workplace free from discrimination, harassment, or other inappropriate behaviors.
Alternative Dispute Resolution
Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) includes a wide range of dispute resolution processes and techniques. A primary goal of ADR is to reach an amicable resolution in an efficient and cost-effective manner, with long-lasting results tailored to the unique situation of the participants. Our program is flexible and includes mediation as well as training and informal coaching and conflict solving options to promote equity and access to justice.
ADR can be used at any phase of a dispute. DSHS encourages employees and third parties to pursue ADR options at the earliest possible time to maximize the opportunity for collaborative problem solving and minimize disruptions and stress that are associated with conflict.
Learn more about how ADR works and how we can be of assistance in your case by contacting us at the email below:
Email: ADRMediation@dshs.wa.gov
Third Party Investigations
OJCR investigations are reviewed to determine who is making the allegation and who is the subject of the complaint. The Third Party unit reviews and investigates civil rights complaints against DSHS and the various administrations, programs, and units to ensure they are complying with federal and state laws and regulations prohibiting discrimination, harassment, and retaliation against protected classes in DSHS service delivery. The Employee Investigation Unit reviews and investigates civil rights complaints to ensure that employees have not acted in violation of federal and state laws and regulations related to Administrative Policy 18.66.
Third Party Complaints may be filed by completing this form Office of Justice and Civil Rights Complaint Request and returning it via email to IRAUcomplaints@dshs.wa.gov.
You may also contact us using one of the contact methods provided below. Please include all criteria from the form when using an alternative contact method.
Mailing Address:
DSHS Justice and Civil Rights
PO Box 45131
Olympia, WA 98504-5105
Fax: 360-586-0500
Phone: 800-737-0617
Email: IRAUcomplaints@dshs.wa.gov
Additional information for DSHS employees who would like to submit a complaint related to civil rights or discrimination by a third party is available here.