|
How We Help
1. How can the Office of the Public Advocate help me?
The Office of the Public Advocate has an Ombudsman Services
Unit, which assists constituents who have complaints, problems,
or inquiries involving government-related services at the City,
State, and Federal levels. The unit provides information and referrals
and works closely with City agencies to find solutions to problems.
Constituents call the Ombudsman Services Unit at (212) 669-7250
or the Public Advocate's volunteer-run Senior Action Line at (212)
669-7670 /7673.
Constituents can also fill out a complaint form or e-mail us
at [email protected].
You will be asked to explain your problem and told that you will
receive a response in seven business days. The case is then assigned
to an ombudsman who specializes in the area of your concern.
2. What information should I have ready when I call the Public
Advocate's Office for help?
It is important that you have all the important details of
your case, including a chronological history of events, the names
and phone numbers of any agencies or elected officials you have
contacted, and an account of what they have done for you. The
Public Advocate's Office wants to be able to figure out how and
why an agency has made a determination. It is highly recommended
that you take notes anytime you contact City agencies with a problem.
3. What kind of services does the Office of the Public Advocate
offer constituents?
The Public Advocate's Office serves as your advocate in matters
involving the city, state or federal government. We help get the
services you need and solve the problems you have with city government.
In many cases constituents are unaware that a review/appeals process
may be possible for their case whether it is a parking ticket
or a zoning matter.
4. In which languages do you provide services?
Our office is able to assist callers in virtually any language.
We are connected to an interpretation line that enables us to
serve all constituents.
5. How do the services offered by your office differ from
those offered by 311?
311 is an information and referral line, which allows you
to speak with a live operator, who will likely transfer you to
a City agency or take down your complaint and forward it to an
agency. In the latter case, you are given a tracking number to
monitor the follow-up. The 311 system is not equipped to allow
for operators to track your case. At the Public Advocate's Office,
complaints are handled in a casework fashion by intervening with
the City agencies and following up until your complaint is resolved.
311 provides many great services to callers, but our Ombudsmen
are trained to solve your complaints with a hands-on approach.
Making NYC Work
Helping Fight Wrongful
Parking Tickets
Dear Public Advocate:
I was recently issued three parking summonses in error; two for
a “no parking” zone violation and one for a “street
cleaning” zone violation. Knowing they were incorrect, I
never bothered to respond to the issuing agency. I then began
receiving late fees and warnings that my vehicle could be towed.
To prove my innocence, I took photos showing that I was not parked
in an illegal zone. I should never have received these fines to
begin with, and now I face mounting late fees and the possibility
of my vehicle being towed. Can you help me?
Legal Parker
How the Public Advocate’s Office was able to help
Thank you for writing and providing us with the photos showing
that you were not parked illegally. My office forwarded your information
to the Department of Finance and asked them to remedy the situation.
We heard back from a Deputy Director at the DOF who informed us
that all three summonses had been dismissed and that DOF records
had been adjusted accordingly. However, you should know that in
the future it is your responsibility to respond to any and all
summonses within 30 days. If you feel you have been wrongly ticketed,
you must return the summons and plead not guilty. Remember, it
is important to read the back of any parking summons you receive.
It is also your right to appear in person at a local adjudication
center if you would prefer to see the administrative law judge
or make a payment in person.
Helping Families with
Public Assistance
Dear Public Advocate:
I receive public assistance, but I have run into obstacles when
trying to place my son on my budget. I have custody of the child
and I provided a birth certificate showing that I am the father.
Even with this information I was still denied. What can be done?
All Under One Roof
How the Public Advocate’s office was able to help
Our office contacted the agency handling this case and persuaded
the director of the center to accept your income tax return and
your son’s school records as evidence that you both live
under the same roof. We were pleased to hear from you later that
week with news that your son is now in your budget.
Solving Special
Education Problems
Dear Public Advocate:
I have a two and-a-half year old autistic son in need of special
education services. I have already attended one Committee on Special
Education review where the request for my son was denied. Please
help me find someone who will listen to our needs.
Trying to Figure Out the Special Education Process
How the Public Advocate’s Office was able to help
Our office helped you and your son by reaching out to the appropriate
administrators in your section of the City. In response to a letter
we sent, I was informed that a hearing
was held for your son and several other children and that the
special education services you requested were approved. Since
we are on the topic of navigating the special education system,
I would like to let you know that my office recently published
a guide titled Educators Helping Parents: Answers to Parents’
Questions About Special Education. It’s available on my
website at http://www.pubadvocate.nyc.gov
or by calling my office at 212-669-7250.
Decreasing Noise Pollution
Dear Public Advocate:
A restaurant in my neighborhood is an incessant noise polluter.
There is a roaring sound coming from the facility during al hours
of the day and night. I would like to bring this to your attention
because many people in the neighborhood are bothered by this.
Can you help us?
A Full Plate of Noise
How the Public Advocate’s office was able to help
My office looked into the matter and brought it to the attention
of the City Department of Environmental Protection (DEP). After
reviewing the case the DEP issued a cease and desist order to
the restaurant to address the irksome sound. In the future, you
or your neighbors can also contact your local police precinct
and make the community affairs officers aware of the problem.
|
