They say the four state-run psychiatric hospitals provide only vague reports listing patient deaths. And N.C. law doesn't require private facilities to report deaths at all. This remains unacceptable here in North Carolina. Since The Observer's investigation, the council has assigned to its advocates all uninvestigated deaths the newspaper found in mental health facilities, including that of Luck's daughter. The council also is creating a team to complete investigations more swiftly.
Critics talk of other problems.
They say if the council's leadership were stronger and its priorities focused, families would more reliably get the help they need. Hawkins runs the nonprofit Exceptional Children's Assistance Center in Davidson, a statewide parent training and information center. She used to send dozens of families to the Governor's Advocacy Council for help and legal assistance. Now, she worries about making a referral. But we can't do it.