The Consumer Advisory Board (CAB) was established in 1978 as part of the historic Pineland Consent Decree.  The CAB is a volunteer board with eleven members appointed by the Commissioner of the Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS).  Board members are responsible for recruiting, training and supporting the people who make up the Volunteer Correspondent Program.  In addition, the Board reviews reported rights violations and monitors ongoing compliance with the standards established by the Decree.  The CAB has an Executive Director who provides day-to-day administrative support to the Board.  It also has a full-time Volunteer Correspondent Coordinator whose primary responsibility is to work with Regional Committees on the implementation and operation of the Volunteer Correspondent Program and to recruit Correspondents. 

          The CAB has established Regional Committees for Correspondents.  These committees are responsible for local recruitment and support for Volunteer Correspondents.  Each Regional Committee Member is assigned to Correspondents from his or her area.  The Committee Member supports present Correspondents, recruits new ones, and works with the Committee to organize training and special events.  Correspondents desiring a greater level of involvement may be nominated to serve on the Regional Committee in their area.

          Correspondents serve as the "Eyes and Ears" of the CAB throughout the state.  Any questions, concerns, or challenges which might come up are relayed to a Regional Committee Member and, if necessary, to the full Board.