Cal. Welf. & Inst. Code § 4433.5

Notwithstanding Section 4433, the department may contract with the State Council on Developmental Disabilities for the purpose of utilizing area boards to provide clients’ rights advocacy services to individuals with developmental disabilities who reside in developmental centers and state hospitals. It is the intent of the Legislature that area boards maintain local discretion in the provision of these advocacy services. The state council shall not direct the advocacy services provided by area boards pursuant to this contract, except when necessary to ensure compliance with the contracts.