PATBI

What is PATBI?

Protection and Advocacy for clients suffering from Traumatic Brain Injury (PATBI) is a federally funded program operated by MO P&A, a nonprofit legal services organization designated as the Missouri Protection and Advocacy System.

Statistics supplied by the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services show that TBI is the leading cause of death and disability for people under the age of 34.

MO P&A can provide legal based advocacy for people with TBI and their families.

The TBI ACT as part of the Children's Health Act of 2000 authorized the Health Resources and Services Administration to make grants available to protection and advocacy systems for the purpose of ensuring that individuals with TBI and their families access to:

• Information, referral, and advice
• Individual and family advocacy
• Legal representation
• Specific assistance in self-advocacy

What kind of services does PATBI offer?

We have trained advocates and legal staff to assist you. We are not psychiatrists, psychologist or social workers. We are not a government agency. All inquiries are kept confidential.

You may receive the following services:

• Information and Referral - a referral to another agency, with a follow-up by our staff to see if you need more assistance.
• Professional Assistance - discussions with you that lead to resolution of the problem(s). This can include self-advocacy coaching.
• Administrative Remedies - appealing your case within an agency or facility that does not involve going to a court of law.
• Negotiation/Mediation - participation in discussions to resolve your problem without the use of administrative or legal procedures.
• Legal Services - legal counsel or representation by an attorney in a court of law.

How can MO P&A help?

MO P&A provides the following services:

• Information and referral.
• Advocacy for special education and related employment services.
• Selective litigation services.
• Education and training with special emphasis in self-advocacy training for clients and their families.

What should you do?

Call MO P&A and if you or someone you know has been prevented from getting appropriate services.

If you want our help:

• Call our Jefferson City office at 573-893-3333 or toll free 800-392-8667 and an information specialist will assist you in applying for our services. TDD users please contact Relay Missouri for access at 800-735-2966.
• Write or email our Jefferson City office and tell us how we can contact you for assistance in applying for PATBI services.
• Visit any MO P&A office and someone will assist you in completing and application for PATBI services.

Is there a charge for PATBI program services?

PATBI non-legal advocacy services are free. However, there is a sliding scale fee based on annual gross income for legal representation and litigation expenses.

The PATBI program is supported 100% by a grant from the Department
of Health and Human Services (DHHS), Health
Resources and Services Administrations, Maternal and
Child Health Bureau. The contents are the sole responsibility
of the authors and do not necessarily represent the official views of DHHS.
Grant Award 1 H83 MC 00037-01