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Office of the Child Advocate
Office of the Child Advocate
Welcome to the Office of the Child Advocate!
The OCA is an independent state agency with the primary responsibility to receive and investigate complaints concerning the administrative actions of agencies within the child welfare system. In addition to addressing complaints, the Office of the Child Advocate makes recommendations to the Governor, the Legislature, and MDHHS for changes in child welfare laws, rules, and policies to ultimately improve outcomes for children.
On December 12, 2023, Public Act 303 of 2023 changed the name of the Office of Children’s Ombudsman to Office of the Child Advocate (OCA).
Our core mission remains unchanged.
What we do
The OCA advocates for children by collaborating with state policymakers and elected officials to bring attention to the challenges within Michigan's child welfare system. We provide recommendations for improvement derived from casework and investigations to bring about positive change.
The child welfare system is a vast, interconnected set of institutions and agencies. The OCA can provide resource information to families involved in Michigan’s child welfare system. In addition, the OCA intake staff can provide insight into the system's processes.
The OCA has the authority to investigate complaints regarding the child welfare system, which includes Children’s Protective Services, foster care, adoption, child-placing agencies, childcaring institutions, and residential facilities providing juvenile justice services.
What we value
The Office of the Child Advocate operates with integrity, valuing diversity and inclusivity. We foster a supportive community where every voice is heard and respected. Through empathy, we create a safe environment, promoting the rights and well-being of all children in the child welfare system.
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Report Child Abuse
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Support for Overwhelmed Parents
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Help for First Responders
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Peer Counseling
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Suicide Prevention
If you suspect child abuse or neglect, call 855-444-3911.
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.
Frontline Strong Together: 833-34-STRONG: 24/7 support for first responders and their families (police, EMS, fire, Dispatch, and Corrections).
Child Abuse Prevention
Strong Families, Strong Kids, Strong Communities
Prevention means supporting all families and helping them to find their strengths. During the month of April and throughout the year, all adults should work to ensure that every child has the equal opportunity to grow and reach their full potential.Families can become stronger when they know about healthy parenting, strong social connections, and easy access to concrete support as needed. Learn more at Children's Trust Fund Alliance resource page.
If you suspect child abuse or neglect, call 855-444-3911.
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.
Safe Sleep Awareness
Infant Safe Sleep Awareness and education plays an important role in preventing sleep-related infant deaths. Most people think this would never happen to them, but the sad reality is that a baby dies nearly every other day in Michigan and these deaths are overwhelmingly preventable.
To keep babies 0-12 months of age safe, while sleeping at night and during naps, follow the American Academy of Pediatrics guidelines:
- Place baby on back, in a crib, bassinet or pack n' play for every sleep time.
- Use a firm mattress with a tightly fitted sheet.
- Keep baby's sleep space clutter free - no pillows, blankets or toys.
- Avoid covering baby's head or overheating. Instead of a blanket, consider using a sleep sack, wearable blanket or footed sleeper to keep baby warm.
- Remind everyone who cares for baby, including babysitters and family members, how to keep baby safe while sleeping.
- Keep baby in a smoke-free environment.
- Support breastfeeding and immunizations.
Please check your Medicaid eligibility!
Please click on one of the three links below to find out more about the Healthy Michigan Plan!
If you are applying for the first time, please 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:
Three easy ways to apply
- www.newmibridges.michigan.gov
- Call (855) 789-5610
- Visit your local Department of Human Services office