3. Duties. The Office of Advocacy, through the chief advocate and the other advocates, office of advocacy shall:

A. Receive or refer complaints made by clients of the department and represent the interests of clients in any matter pertaining to the rights and dignity of clients;

B. Intercede on behalf of these clients with officials of the institutions, facilities and agencies administered, licensed or funded by the department, except that the Office of Advocacy office of advocacy may refuse to take action on any complaint which that it deems considers to be trivial or moot or for which there is clearly another remedy available;

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; and

F. Make and publish reports necessary to the performance of the duties described in this section. The chief advocate office of advocacy 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 to so communicate. At least annually, the chief advocate office of advocacy shall report both in person and in writing to the joint standing committee of the Legislature having jurisdiction over mental health and mental retardation; 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