The Protection and Advocacy for Individuals with Mental Illness Program (PAIMI) is administered by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) and the Center for Mental Health Services (CMHS). P&A systems use the grant funds to:

1) Investigate incidents of abuse and neglect on behalf of individuals with mental illness in a public or private facility rendering care or treatment

2) Pursue administrative, legal (individual and class action litigation), systemic and legislative activities, or other appropriate remedies to redress complaints of abuse, neglect, and civil rights violations

3) Ensure enforcement of the United States Constitution, Federal laws and regulations, and state statutes as related to this area