The Southeast Alliance Local Human Rights Committee (SEALHRC) is committed to ensuring the existence of an effective rights protection and advocacy system for clients under its purview.  

The SEALHRC will work cooperatively with clients and their family members, the staff of the Office of Human Rights and the the State Human Rights Committee (SHRC) to enhance the nature  and quality of services provided to clients.  

What Is a Local Human Rights Committee?

A Local Human Rights Committee (LHRC) is comprised of volunteers who represent mental health, mental retardation and substance abuse services, professional groups and consumer groups.  The committee's responsibility is to perform certain functions under the state Human Rights Regulations.  The State Human Rights Committee appoints the LHRC members for a term of three years after consultation with the Commissioner for the state Department of Mental Health, Mental Retardation and Substance Abuse Services.

The LHRC plays a vital role by:  1) conducting fact finding hearings and making recommendations for resolution of complaints not resolved formally or informally by staff; 2) reviewing and making recommendations concerning policies, procedures, practices, treatment plans and restrictive programming; 3) reviewing and making recommendations concerning requests for variance to the Human Rights Regulations; and 4) performing other oversight functions according to the Local Human Rights Committee By-laws.

When does the Local Human Rights Committee meet?

The LHRC holds regular meetings at 5:30 p.m. on the second Tuesdays of March, June, September and December, generally in the first floor conference room of the Hampton-Newport News Community Services Board (H-NNCSB), 300 Medical Drive, Hampton, VA 23666.  Notices of meetings are posted on this web site as well as on the bulletin board on the first floor of the H-NNCSB.  Emergency and Special Meetings are held from time to time. Agenda and Minutes of meetings are posted on this web site. A hard copy of notices, agenda or minutes can be obtained by writing to the LHRC c/o the Human Rights Advocate at the H-NNCSB.

Which service providers are affiliated with the Souheast Alliance Local Human Rights Committee?

The service providers affiliated with the Southeast Alliance LHRC are the Hampton-Newport News Community Services Board, the Colonial Community Services Board, the Arc of the Virginia Peninsula, and Lutheran Family Services.

LHRC Membership

We are always interested in hearing from individuals who have an interest in serving as members.  If you would like to find out more information about the LHRC, or for inquires regarding committee membership and vacancies, contact Willie Barnes, Human Rights Advocate (757) 253-5309.  A personal interview is required of all applicants for committee membership, and final decisions regarding appointments are made by the State Human Rights Committee.