ADA Complaint Procedure

If you believe you have been discriminated against in any CASOMS program or service, you have the right to file a complaint. You do not need a lawyer. There is no cost to file. This page explains the full process from start to finish.

Who Can File

Any person who believes they have been treated unfairly or denied access to a CASOMS program or service based on any of the following may file a complaint:

Race
Color
National Origin
Disability
Age
Sex
Religion
Family Status

How to Submit a Complaint

Online
Complete our online complaint form
By Mail
Vanessa Gibson, Executive Director
5343 Jefferson Ave. / P.O. Box 8723
Moss Point, MS 39562
By Email
makingadifference@casoms.org
By Phone
(228) 769-3292
In Person
Visit our main office at 5343 Jefferson Ave., Moss Point, MS 39562
Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM

Complaints must be filed within 180 days of the date the discrimination occurred. Your complaint must be complete for us to begin an investigation.

What Happens After You File

Once we receive your complaint, we follow a structured review process. Here is what to expect at each step.

We Review Your Complaint

We check your complaint to make sure it is complete and that our office has the authority to investigate. You will receive a letter telling you whether we will investigate your complaint.

Within 2 weeks of receiving your complaint

We Investigate

An investigator will be assigned to your case. They will review the facts, interview the people involved, and gather any evidence related to your complaint.

If we need more information from you, we will send you a letter. You will have 10 business days from the date of that letter to respond. If we do not hear from you within 10 business days, we may close your case.

Up to 90 days to complete the investigation

You Receive Our Decision

After the investigation, you will receive one of two letters:

Closure Letter: If we find that no discrimination occurred, you will receive a letter explaining our findings and stating that the case is closed.

Letter of Finding: If we find that discrimination did occur, you will receive a letter that explains what happened, what we found during our investigation, and what actions will be taken. This may include additional training for staff members or other corrective action.

Your Right to Appeal

If you disagree with our decision, you have the right to appeal. You must submit your appeal within 7 days of receiving the closure letter or letter of finding.

You may also file a complaint directly with a federal agency at any time. You do not need to wait for our process to finish, and you do not need to file with us first.

7 days to appeal after receiving our decision

File with a Federal Agency

You may also file a complaint directly with a federal agency. You do not need to file with CASOMS first, and you may file with a federal agency at any time, even while our internal investigation is in progress.

Federal Transit Administration (FTA)

For complaints about transportation services

Office of Civil Rights
Attention: Title VI Program Coordinator
East Building, 5th Floor, TCR
1200 New Jersey Ave., SE
Washington, DC 20590

U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS)

For complaints about Head Start, energy assistance, or other HHS funded programs

Office for Civil Rights
200 Independence Avenue, SW
Washington, DC 20201
Phone: (800) 368-1019

U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ)

For complaints about disability discrimination under the ADA

Civil Rights Division
Disability Rights Section
950 Pennsylvania Avenue, NW
Washington, DC 20530
Phone: (800) 514-0301
TTY: (800) 514-0383

Ready to File Your Complaint?

You can submit your complaint using our online form. It takes about 10 minutes. If you need help completing the form or prefer to file by mail, phone, or in person, contact our ADA Coordinator.