May 26, 2005

LANSING – With the resignation of Michigan’s Children’s Ombudsman Lynne Martinez, Governor Jennifer M. Granholm today announced the interim appointment of Michael Harmon as Acting Michigan’s Children’s Ombudsman.
 
“Lynne has made it her life’s mission to protect and care for children, and she has served Michigan’s children well in her role as Children’s Ombudsman,” Granholm said.

Harmon, of Grand Ledge, currently serves as a supervising investigator in the Office of Children’s Ombudsman.  He has served as Acting Children’s Ombudsman on three previous occasions.
 
Governor Granholm will appoint a permanent Children’s Ombudsman in the very near future.

The Office of Children’s Ombudsman is an independent government agency that works to assure the safety and welfare of Michigan children who are in need of foster care, adoption, and protective services.  The office independently investigates complaints, advocates for children, and recommends changes to improve law, policy, and practice that benefit children’s welfare.