Arizona Ombudsman Complaint
West Virginia Foster Care Ombudsman Reports Rampant Fear of Retaliation
https://imprintnews.org/uncategorized/west-virginia-foster-care-ombudsman-fear-retaliation/53831
Utah Office of Child Protection Ombudsman (OCPO)
KEYWORDRESOURCE TYPESelect All Adoption Native American Permanence Youth or Alumni Group School Other Ombudsman (Complaints) Mental health Health care Extended foster care (age 18+) Emergency support College / Higher education Housing Life skills Leadership Opportunity Independent Living Program Rights in Foster Care COVID-19STATE- Any -AlabamaAlaskaArizonaArkansasCaliforniaColoradoConnecticutDelawareDistrict of ColumbiaFloridaGeorgiaHawaiiIdahoIllinoisIndianaIowaKansasKentuckyLouisianaMaineMarylandMassachusettsMichiganMinnesotaMississippiMissouriMontanaNational OnlyNebraskaNevadaNew HampshireNew JerseyNew MexicoNew YorkNorth CarolinaNorth DakotaOhioOklahomaOregonPennsylvaniaRhode IslandSouth CarolinaSouth DakotaTennesseeTexasUtahVermontVirginiaWashingtonWest VirginiaWisconsinWyomingPuerto RicoApplyReset
Please contact us!Phone:(801) 538-4589Website:https://hs.utah.gov/services/administrative-services/care-concerns
OMBUDSMAN (COMPLAINTS)
About this resource
The Office of Child Protection Ombudsman (OCPO) is an independent office created to investigate complaints about DCFS. OCPO addresses your concerns by "working with DCFS to facilitate solutions, build upon best practices and strengthen service delivery."
https://www.fosterclub.com/resources/utah-office-child-protection-ombudsman-ocpo
Phone:615-532-1589Email:russette.marcum-embry@tn.govWebsite:https://www.tn.gov/content/tn/tccy/programs0/ombuds.html
OMBUDSMAN (COMPLAINTS)
About this resource
An ombudsman is a person whose job is to work out problems between people and government. The Tennessee Commission on Children and Youth’s (TCCY) Ombudsman Program is an external, third-party problem resolution mechanism for children in the custody of the Department of Children’s Services (DCS), Child Protective Services (CPS), kinship care/relative caregiver program, and DCS foster parent issues. TCCY has statutory authority to review children in the foster care system, kinship care or CPS and make recommendations for improvement. TCCY is an independent state agency that works closely with DCS but is not a part of department. The Ombudsman Program has a mandate to investigate or conduct case file reviews but does not have an enforcement power. Most public sector or government ombudsman offices function in this manner and have the same program limitation. If necessary, written and/or verbal recommendations are provided. Transparency, fairness, accountability, timeliness and best practice are features safeguarded by the Ombudsman Program. The TCCY ombudsman takes referrals from children, families, legislators, national organizations, child advocates, attorneys, school personnel, juvenile courts, DCS workers, service providers and other stakeholders or concerned individuals. The ombudsman can access records and interview children, families and state and private agency staff, in order to help resolve problems. Established in 1996, the TCCY Ombudsman Program adheres to United States Ombudsman Association standards, including a credible review process, confidentiality, impartiality and independence. The ombudsman helps to address problems through a mediation approach focusing on issues, concerns or complaints of individuals. The Ombudsman may serve as an advocate for the family, the state, or the provider when appropriate, but is always working for the child's best interests. The TCCY Ombudsman Office accepts referrals from all over the state. Ombudsman Program reports are available.
https://www.fosterclub.com/resources/tennessee-tccy-ombudsman-children-and-families
How do I file a complaint against DCS in Arizona?
Working within the Governor's Advocacy Office, the Office of the Foster Care Ombuds is an independent resource to investigate complaints, concerns or violation of rights for children in the custody of Oregon Department of Human Services. The Ombuds position was created in 2013 with the passage of Senate Bill 123. This position is the result of legislation developed and passed by current and former foster youth. The Ombuds receives, investigates and helps resolve complaints and concerns from a wide range of people including foster youth, parents, relatives, CASAs, attorneys, social workers and many other interested parties.
If you are a current or former foster youth, or if you have concerns or complaints about a child or youth in foster care, the staff at the Ombuds Office will:
- Listen to your concerns;
- Document complaints;
- Gather all relevant information;
- Remain neutral and impartial;
- Provide information on how to help.
How to file a complaint
There are several ways to make a complaint. You may
- call the Youth Empowerment and Safety (Y.E.S.) line at 1-855-840-6036,
- email fco.info@dhsoha.state.or.us,
- fax complaint form to 503-378-6532, or
- mail complaint form to 500 Summer St. NE E-17, Salem, OR 97301
You may use the Foster Care Ombuds Complaint form to help organize your complaint, however, the form is not required to complete your complaint.
Note: This form does not work in all internet browsers. For best user experience, download this file to your computer and open it in the latest version of the free Adobe Acrobat Reader DC (https://get.adobe.com/reader), or open it in Internet Explorer 7+.
The Y.E.S. line is not just for making complaints. Foster youth can also call the hotline (1-855-840-6036) with questions about their rights, their care and wellbeing, issues with their placement or services received while in foster care.
https://www.oregon.gov/dhs/ABOUTDHS/Pages/Foster-Care-Ombuds.aspx
Phone:317-234-7361or 877-682-0101Email:DCSOmbudsman@idoa.in.govWebsite:https://www.in.gov/ombudsman/dcs-ombudsman/about/
OMBUDSMAN (COMPLAINTS)
About this resource
Ombudsman is a Swedish word that means "representative" or "agent." Ombudsman or Child Advocates were established within states and/or Child Welfare to investigate complaints, concerns, or violations of children right's while in foster care.
The Indiana Ombudsman's office receives, investigates, and attempts to resolve complaints concerning actions of the Department of Child Services (DCS) and to make recommendations to improve the child welfare system. The Ombudsman's office works independently from DCS -- they are not even located in the same office!
To file a complaint:
Before filing a formal complaint, the DCS Ombudsman Office requires that before you attempt to a formal complaint, you address any issues at the local level first. If you feel safe enough, address the issue first by contacting the appropriate family case manager, the family case manager's supervisor, the division manager, and the local office director.
https://www.fosterclub.com/resources/child-services-ombudsman-bureau-indiana
Office of the Ombudsperson for Families
Ombudsman
1450 Energy Park Dr, Ste 106, St. Paul, MN, 55108
Distance: 491 Miles
(888) 234-4939
obff.info@state.mn.us
Website
DESCRIPTION
An ombudsman is a neutral party who investigates consumer complaints. They work with both the consumer and the organization to resolve consumer issues and improve customer service.
https://www.mass.gov/service-details/dcf-office-of-the-ombudsman
DCF Office of the Ombudsman
If you would like to discuss case concerns or ask questions about case practice and policy, please contact the Office of the Ombudsman
More About the Office of the Ombudsman
Our role is to respond to consumers, foster and adoptive parents, advocates, legislators and concerned citizens regarding agency programs, policies and services. We can assist in helping you to understand policy and case practice and try to help address your concerns. Our staff provides information regarding the appropriate steps you can take to address a problem you may be experiencing with DCF or direct you to additional sources of help or information.
When to contact the Office of the Ombudsman:
- If you have general questions
- If you have concerns about your case
- If you have questions about DCF policies and services
Ask a question here or call us at (617) 748.2444.
https://www.mass.gov/service-details/dcf-office-of-the-ombudsman
The Maine Child Welfare Services Ombudsman is an impartial office that specializes in assisting people with resolving concerns and complaints with Maine’s Child Protective Services Department of the Department of Health and Human Services.
If you have a concern or complaint about how Child Protective Services, DHHS is handling a child’s case, you may contact the Ombudsman office. E-mail us at: ombudsman@cwombudsman.org or call 1-866-621-0758 or 207-213-4773.
The Ombudsman cannot respond to emergencies. If you are concerned about the safety of a child, please call the child abuse hotline, 1-800-452-1999.
http://cwombudsman.org/
An Ombudsman is assigned to:
Investigate your concerns.
Mediate and act as a liaison between all involved parties.
Speak on your behalf.
Arrange case conferences when necessary.
Answer questions regarding your inquiry or complaint.
https://portal.ct.gov/-/media/dcf/Ombudsman/pdf/OmbudsmanBrochure-2018.pdf?la=en
What is an Ombudsman?
The word “Ombudsman” is derived from the Swedish word meaning “agent” or “representative.” Ombudsman offices have been established in a variety of state, municipal, county, local, and federal governments, as well in academic organizations and businesses as an independent and impartial organization which assists in obtaining resolution of conflicts or complaints. Ombudsman may be alternatively known as "advocate," "citizen's representative," and "mediator."
The United States Ombudsman Association (USOA), defines the public sector ombudsmen as "an independent, impartial public official with authority and responsibility to receive, investigate or informally address complaints about government actions, and, when appropriate, make findings and recommendations, and publish reports."
The USOA has established a set of best practices guidelines for Ombudsman offices: (1) An Ombudsman office should be independent-free from outside control or influence; (2) An Ombudsman should be impartial- receive and review each complaint in an objective and fair manner, free from bias, and treat all parties without favor or prejudice. (3)The Ombudsman should control confidentiality- have the privilege and discretion to keep confidential or release any information related to a complaint or investigation; and (4) The Ombudsman should create a credible review process of complaints- perform his or her responsibilities in a manner that engenders respect and confidence and be accessible to all potential complainants.
Children’s Ombudsman Offices /Office of the Child Advocate
Children’s Ombudsman Offices, also known in some jurisdictions as Office of the Child Advocate, have been established at the state level in order to assist in providing oversight of children’s services. Currently, approximately twenty-three states have established a Children’s Ombudsman/ Office of the Child Advocate with duties and purposes specifically related to children’s services. Another five states have a statewide Ombudsman program that addresses the concerns of all governmental agencies, including children’s services. Nine states have related Ombudsman services, program-specific services, or county-run programs.
The purpose, responsibilities and duties of the Children’s Ombudsman Office vary by state. In general, these offices exist to:
- Handle and investigate complaints from citizens and families related to government services for children and families - this may include child protective services, foster care, adoption and juvenile justice services.
- Provide a system accountability mechanism by recommending system-wide improvements to benefit children and families - often in the form of annual reports to the Legislature, Governor and public.
- Protect the interests and rights of children and families - both individually and system-wide.
- Monitor programs, placements and departments responsible for providing children's services - which may include inspecting state facilities and institutions.
Complaint Process
Once a concerned party calls a Children’s Ombudsman’s Office with a complaint, the call is screened to determine what action is necessary. One option is to provide the caller with resources and referrals. The other option is to open a case. Once a case is open, the Ombudsman gives notice of the complaint to the agency and begins to investigate or review the complaint and the agency is requested to respond. If necessary, the Ombudsman may intervene by facilitating communication, holding a meeting, or pursuing legal action. Once the Ombudsman has concluded its investigation, the office will develop a report while giving the agency the opportunity to respond. On an annual basis, the Ombudsman will summarize citizen complaints and identify system trends in an annual report.
Types of Children’s Ombudsman Offices/ Offices of the Child Advocate
Jurisdiction, size and operation of Children’s Ombudsman Offices vary by state. A Children’s Ombudsman Office may be established by legislation, executive order, or by the child welfare agency. A Children’s Ombudsman office can be an independent agency established by statute, existing either in the legislative branch or executive branch, or may be established within the child welfare agency. The office may be run by the government, or a non-profit organization under government contract. This section explains generally how states have organized Children’s Ombudsman Offices. The chart below provides a state by state breakdown.
https://www.ncsl.org/research/human-services/childrens-ombudsman-offices.aspx
Confidentiality
Pursuant to C.R.S. 19-3.3-103(III)(3), the Child Protection Ombudsman, employees of the CPO and any persons acting on behalf of the CPO shall comply with all state and federal confidentiality laws that govern the state department or a county department with respect to the treatment of confidential information or records and the disclosure of such information to the treatment of confidential information or records and the disclosure of such information and records. These laws include, but are not limited to, the Colorado Children’s Code, CAPTA, HIPPA and FERPA.
https://coloradocpo.org/complaint-form/
Child Welfare Ombudsman Services
The Ombudsman may:
- Investigate complaints
- Answer questions regarding your issue or complaint and make referrals if possible
- Provide information about department procedures or policies
- Attempt to resolve complaints not resolved at the local office level
- Advocate for improvements within the child welfare system that will aid individual children and/or families
To request assistance or an investigation into a complaint, fill out the form below and return to our office. If you need to report a child that is at risk of imminent harm, please call the Arkansas Child Abuse Hotline at 1-800-482-5964.
Anyone connected to a child welfare case or child welfare investigation may file a complaint with our office. This includes, but is not limited to, parent, child, grandparent, foster parent, attorney, caseworker, or judge involved in a child welfare case.
https://accardv.uams.edu/child-welfare-ombudsman/child-welfare-ombudsman-services/
HHS Ombudsman Foster Care Help
https://www.hhs.texas.gov/about/your-rights/office-ombudsman/hhs-ombudsman-foster-care-help
File a Complaint
The Department of Children and Families takes all complaints seriously. If you have an issue with one of our programs and need resolution, we want to make sure it reaches the right person. Please see the list below to make sure your complaint is filed with the right people. If you don't see what you are looking for below, you can fill out our general complaints form.
https://dcf.wisconsin.gov/about-us/complaint
How to file a complaint with the Office of Children's Ombudsman
How to file a complaint with the Arizona Ombudsman
https://www.michigan.gov/oco/complaints
Child Protective Services (CPS) is a specific social service provided by DHS to assist children believed to be neglected or abused by parents or other adults having permanent or temporary care or custody, or parental responsibility. The program also offers service to household or family members who may require intervention to decrease the risk of any continuing physical, sexual or mental abuse or neglect. The first priority of CPS is to safely maintain a child in their home and to protect the child from further harm and maltreatment. Where the caretaker is willing and able, through the provision of services or other assistance, to work toward maintaining safety for the child, no alternative placement is needed. Remaining safely at home or with family is always preferable to placement in foster care.
https://dhs.maryland.gov/child-protective-services/
Ways to Report Discrimination by CPS Against a Parent or Child
- Complain Within the Chidren’s Administration
- File a complaint with the Washington State Office of the Family and Children’s Ombuds (OFCO)
- File a complaint with the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Office for Civil Rights (HHS OCR)
https://www.disabilityrightswa.org/publications/how-file-complaint-against-child-protective-services-cps-because-disability-based-discrimination-0/
Office of Citizen Services will address online complaints and messages as quickly as possible.
Print and mail your complaint form
English Version Download
Office of Attorney General
State of Florida
The Capitol PL-01
Tallahassee, FL 32399-1050
https://www.myfloridalegal.com/pages.nsf/main/e3eb45228e9229dd85257b05006e32ec
How do I file a complaint against DCS?
Arizona Ombudsman Complants
https://www.ctoec.org/contact-us/file-a-complaint/
Connecticut DCF Complaints
https://www.briankaschel.com/blog/2013/09/connecticut-dcf-complaints.shtml
https://cdhs.colorado.gov/contact-cdhs
https://dcfs.lacounty.gov/contact/report-child-abuse/
https://www.facebook.com/cpswvpc/posts
Arizona DCS Complaints
Arizona Department of Child Safety Complaints