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Office of the Child Advocate 

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Office of the Child Advocate 

Welcome to the Office of the Child Advocate!

The Office of the Child Advocate (OCA) is an independent state agency that helps protect children in Michigan’s child welfare system. We listen to concerns and review complaints about how child welfare agencies are handling cases. We share these recommendations with the Governor, lawmakers, and the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) to help strengthen support for children and families.

Our work includes:

  • Reviewing complaints about child welfare services
  • Looking into concerns about how agencies or facilities are following required policies
  • Recommending improvements to child welfare laws and policies

On December 12, 2023, a new law (Public Act 303 of 2023) officially changed the name of the Office of Children’s Ombudsman to the Office of the Child Advocate (OCA). Even though the name is different, our mission is still the same: to protect children in the child welfare system and make sure they’re treated fairly.

When We Get Involved:

The OCA reviews concerns when someone believes that one of the following may not be following required policies or acting in the best interest of a child.

  • MDHHS
  • A private child‑placing agency
  • A facility that cares for youth or provides juvenile justice services

What we do

At the Office of the Child Advocate, we work hard investigating problems and fighting for better outcomes for children. Click here to learn more about the role of an ombudsman or advocate.

a group of children standing outside smiling for the camera, over the word Advocate.

The OCA speaks up for children by working with lawmakers and state leaders to highlight problems in Michigan’s child welfare system. Each year, we share reports with suggestions to help raise awareness and make things better for kids and families.

Review our annual reports
Image of women in a classroom over the word Educate

Michigan’s child welfare system includes many different agencies and organizations that work together to support children and families. This website offers helpful resources to help the public understand how the system works. As part of our investigations, the OCA team can also explain how different parts of the system operate and connect.

Check out our resource page
A man with a computer and papers over the word Investigate

The OCA has the power to look into complaints about different parts of Michigan’s child welfare system. This includes Children’s Protective Services (CPS), foster care, adoption services, agencies that place children in homes, group homes, and facilities that care for youth involved in the juvenile justice system.

Staff, policy, and process information

Help for overwhelmed parents

If you or someone you know feels overwhelmed by the demands of parenting. Call Parenting Awareness Michigan (PAM) at 1-800-968-4968 for information about family support resources in your community. https://www.preventionnetwork.org/pam/

Featured Resource Information

Report child abuse

Anyone can make a report of child abuse or neglect, including a child. If you suspect child abuse or neglect, call 855-444-3911.

Process for reporting

Help for first responders

833-34-STRONG. 24/7 support for first responders and their families (police, EMS, fire, dispatch, and corrections).

Frontline Strong website

Peer counseling

888-PEER-753: A warmline staffed by certified specialists 7 days a week from 10 a.m. to 2 a.m. All calls are anonymous.

Michigan Peer Warmline

Suicide prevention

24/7 support via call or text to 988 for anyone struggling with mental health, substance use concerns or emotional distress.

988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline
Mental Health America Bell Seal Platinum Award

2026 Bell Seal for Workplace Mental Health

The Office of the Child Advocate (OCA) is proud to share that it has been awarded the 2026 Platinum Bell Seal for Workplace Mental Health, the nation’s highest recognition for employers committed to creating mentally healthy workplaces. The Bell Seal is issued by Mental Health America, the leading nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting the mental health and well‑being of people across the United States.
 
The OCA earned this recognition based on its policies and practices in four key areas:
  • Workplace culture
  • Employee benefits
  • Organizational compliance
  • Whole‑health wellness programs
As part of this work, the OCA promotes healthy coping strategies, fosters hope, and supports strong relationships through internal resiliency teams. Staff are also encouraged to participate in mindfulness trainings that help them care for their mental health while working with challenging and emotionally complex subject matter.
 
The OCA remains committed to supporting its employees and will continue strengthening its efforts to meet the standards set by the Bell Seal for Workplace Mental Health.
 
Since 2019, Mental Health America has awarded the Bell Seal to hundreds of employers who collectively support the mental health of more than 5.1 million employees, building on decades of research into effective workplace mental health practices.

Please check your Medicaid eligibility!

If you are applying for the first time, consider the Healthy Michigan Plan!

The Healthy Michigan Plan provides health care benefits to Michigan residents at a low cost so that more people can have health care coverage. Individuals are eligible for the Healthy Michigan Plan if they meet specific requirements. Use this link to find more information on the MDHHS website about the plan. 

Healthy Michigan Plan requirements: 

  • Are age 19-64 years
  • Have income at or below 133% of the federal poverty level
  • Do not qualify for or are not enrolled in Medicare
  • Do not qualify for or are not enrolled in other Medicaid programs
  • Are not pregnant at the time of application
  • Are residents of the State of Michigan

Three easy ways to apply