Anyone can file a complaint with the OCO.

Section 5 of the amended Children's Ombudsman Act lists individuals who may receive the written findings, recommendations, and DHS responses to an OCO investigation.  Any individual not listed in section 5 may receive the recommendations and agency response to an OCO investigation.

a) The child, if he or she is able to articulate a complaint.

b)  A biological parent of the child.

c)  A foster parent of the child.

d)  An adoptive parent or a prospective parent of the child.

e)  A legally appointed guardian of the child.

f)   A guardian ad litem of the child.

g)  An adult who is related to the child within the fifth degree by marriage, blood, or adoption, as defined in section 22 of  the adoption code, MCL 710.22.

h)  An attorney for any of the above-listed people.

i)  A Michigan legislator.

j)  An individual required to report child abuse or child neglect under section 3 of the Child Protection Law, 1975 PA 238, MCL 722.623.

The Ombudsman can open a complaint on his or her initiative.