C. Assist clients in any hearing or grievance proceeding of the department;

D. Refer clients to other agencies or entities for the purpose of advocating for the rights and dignity of these persons;

E. Act as an information source regarding the rights of all clients, keeping itself informed about all laws, administrative rules and institutional and other policies relating to the rights and dignity of the clients and about relevant legal decisions and other developments related to the field of mental health and mental retardation, both in this State and in other parts of the country;

F. Make and publish reports necessary to the performance of the duties described in this section. The chief advocate director may report findings of the office to groups outside the department, such as legislative bodies, advisory committees, commissions, law enforcement agencies and the press, and may authorize the advocates in the Office of Advocacy and Adult Protective Services to so communicate. At least annually, the chief advocate director shall report both in person and in writing to the joint standing committee of the Legislature having jurisdiction over mental health and mental retardation matters; and

G. Negotiate joint working agreements with the Department of Human Services concerning procedures and respective responsibilities for conducting investigations in state institutions of allegations of abuse pursuant to the Child and Family Services and Child Protection Act, Title 22, chapter 1071.; and

H.__Provide adult protective services as described in Title 22, section 3473.

4. Access to files and records. The Office of Advocacy, through the chief advocate and the other advocates, and Adult Protective Services has access, limited only by the law, to the files, records and personnel of any institution, facility or agency administered, licensed or funded by the department. All persons with knowledge about an incident related to client care, including client-to-client assault, staff-to-client assault,