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Ombudsman Reference List

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Click on your state or country to see a list of child ombudsman specialists, general jurisdiction offices and other relevant information. Click here for information on the US Ombudsman's office.

Alabama

Alaska

Arizona

Arkansas

California

Colorado

Connecticut

Delaware

Florida

Georgia

Hawaii

Idaho

Illinois

Indiana

Iowa

Kansas

Kentucky

Louisiana

Maine

Maryland

Massachusetts

Michigan

Minnesota

Mississippi

Missouri

Montana

Nebraska

Nevada

New Hampshire

New Jersey

New Mexico

New York

North Carolina

North Dakota

Ohio

Oklahoma

Oregon

Pennsylvania

Rhode Island

South Carolina

South Dakota

Tennessee

Texas

Utah

Vermont

Virginia

Washington

Washington DC

West Virginia

Wisconsin

Wyoming

Canada

United States

ALASKA

Office of the Ombudsman

Alaska now has state ombudsman offices in Anchorage and Juneau to help people across the state with questions and complaints about state government agencies and the University of Alaska. Juneau residents may call the Ombudsman for help with municipal issues as well. The office does not investigate complaints against elected officials, judges, private business, or individuals.

How to contact:

Alaska State Ombudsman

1500 West Bendon Blvd

Anchorage, AK 99510-2636

Phone (out of state): (907) 269-5290

Toll Free: (800) 478-2624

Fax: (907) 269-5291

Email: ombudsman@akleg.gov

Alaska Ombudsman | Alaska State Ombudsman

 

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ARIZONA

Arizona Ombudsman-Citizens' Aide

The Arizona Ombudsman-Citizens' Aide investigates complaints against other state agencies, such as Child Protective Services, and offers information and referral services to Arizona citizens. The Ombudsman's office completes impartial investigations and makes recommendations to the agency to resolve both individual complaints as well as systemic issues.

How to contact:

Arizona Ombudsman-Citizens' Aide

2020 N. Central Ave., Suite 570

Phoenix, AZ 85004

Phone: (602) 277-7292

Fax: (602) 277-7312

Email: ombuds@azoca.gov

https://www.azoca.gov/about/contact/

Family Advocate

How to contact:

The Family Advocate is a division of Children, Youth, and Families. It receives and responds to complaints made by persons who either have an open or closed Child Protective Services case and by family members or acquaintances of persons with an open or closed CPS case. Family Advocate Arizona Department of Economic Security

Toll free: (877) 527-0765

https://dcs.az.gov/about/contact

 

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ARKANSAS

Juvenile Justice Ombudsman

The Juvenile Ombudsman Division is part of the Arkansas Public Defender Commission. Arkansas lawmakers established the Juvenile Ombudsman Division to make sure that youth who had been court-ordered into the care of the Division of Youth Services (DYS) get appropriate services and are safe while in custody.

How to contact: 

Phone: (501) 683-1766

https://humanservices.arkansas.gov/divisions-shared-services/youth-services/juvenile-justice-ombudsman/

 

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CALIFORNIA

Office of the Foster Care Ombudsperson

The Office of the Foster Care Ombudsman is an independent resource for reviewing issues concerning children and youth in foster care and those who care about them. The Ombudsman Office receives complaints and concerns from a wide range of individuals including foster youth, parents, relatives, CASAs, attorneys, social workers, and many other interested parties.

How to Contact:

Office of the Foster Care Ombudsman

744 P. Street M.S. 9-025

Sacramento, CA  95817

Toll free: (877) 846-1602

Email: fosteryouthhelp@dss.ca.gov

https://fosteryouthhelp.ca.gov/

 

Social Worker Empowerment Hotline 

The mission of child welfare is to ensure the safety and well-being of children and families. Help us to support accountability and ensure child welfare services can consistently meet this mission.

How to contact:

TOLL FREE: 1-844-796-6283

Email: AB1978Hotline@dss.ca.gov

https://www.cdss.ca.gov/inforesources/child-welfare-program-improvement/social-worker-hotline

 

Children's Services Operation Bureau

744 P. Street, M.S. 3-90

Sacramento, CA  95814

Phone: (916) 651-8100

 

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COLORADO

Colorado Child Protection Ombudsman

 The Office of Colorado’s Child Protection Ombudsman is a non-profit organization required by the Legislature to serve as an independent and neutral organization that investigates complaints and grievances about child protection services, seek and recommend system improvements, & serve as a resource.

How to contact:

 Colorado Department of Human Services

Office of Colorado's Child Protective Ombudsman

1300 Broadway, Suite 430

Denver, CO 80203

Phone: (720) 625-8640

https://coloradocpo.org/

 

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CONNECTICUT

Office of the Child Advocate

The Office of the Child Advocate is an independent office with authority to monitor and evaluate the public and private agencies that are charged with the protection of children, and to review state agency policies and procedures to ensure they protect children's rights and promote their best interest.  Its responsibilities include acting as an ombudsman, doing facility and program reviews, conducting special investigations and projects, and participating in Child Fatality Reviews.

How to Contact:

Office of the Child Advocate

165 Capitol Avenue
Hartford CT 06106
Phone Number: 860-566-2106
Toll-Free: 800-994-0939
Fax: 860-326-0569

http://www.ct.gov/oca

 

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DELAWARE

The Office of the Child Advocate

The Office of the Child Advocate shall safeguard the welfare of Delaware's children through educational advocacy, system reform, public awareness, training, and legal representation of children as set forth in 29 Del. C., Ch. 90A.

How to contact:

Wilmington Office

The Office of the Child Advocate

900 King Street, Ste. 210

Wilmington, DE 19801

Phone: (302) 255-1730

Fax: (302) 577-6831

Georgetown Office

The Office of the Child Advocate

6 West Market Street, Ste. 1

Georgetown, DE  19947

Phone: (302) 856-5720

Fax: (302) 856-5722

http://courts.delaware.gov/childadvocate/

 

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FLORIDA

Florida Children's Ombudsman

What the Children’s Ombudsman Can Do

  • Listen and be a voice for children and youth
  • Take complaints about placement, care, or services without fear of retribution
  • Serve as a resource to identify and explain relevant policy or procedures

How to Contact:

Phone: (844) 543-7352

Email: kidsfla@myflfamilies.com

 

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GEORGIA

Office of the Child Advocate

Office of the Child Advocate is here to provide the public and policymakers with the advice, research, data, resources, and assistance they need to ensure our state's at-risk and foster children are safe and sound, preferably in the places they already call home.

How to contact:

Office of the Child Advocate

3312 Northside Drive

Suite D-250

Macon, GA  31210

Phone: (478) 757-2661

Toll Free: (800) 254-2064

Fax: (478) 757-2666

http://oca.georgia.gov/

 

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HAWAII

Office of the Ombudsman

The Ombudsman is an officer of the legislature who investigates complaints about actions of executive branch agencies of the state and county governments.  The office has the power to obtain necessary information for an investigation and to recommend corrective action if a complaint is found to be substantiated.  The Ombudsman serves as a neutral, independent intermediary between the citizen and the agency and conducts the investigation in a fair and impartial manner.  The Ombudsman does not provide legal advice, nor does it serve as legal counsel, advocate, or representative on behalf of any person or agency.

How to Contact:

Office of the Ombudsman

465 S. King Street, 4th Floor

Honolulu, HI 96813

Phone: (808) 587-0770

Fax: (808) 587-0773

http://www.ombudsman.hawaii.gov/

 

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ILLINOIS

Office of the Inspector General

Office of the Inspector General, a division of the Department of Children and Family Services, is mandated to investigate misconduct, misfeasance, malfeasance and violations of rules, procedures, and laws by Department of Children and Family Services employees, foster parents, service providers, and contractors with the department.

How to Contact:

69 West Washington Street
Suite 3400
Chicago, Illinois 60602

Phone: (312) 814-5600 
Toll Free: (888) 261-2734 (TTY)
Fax: (312) 814-5479

https://oeig.illinois.gov/

Independent Juvenile Ombudsman

How to contact:

Office of the Independent Juvenile Ombudsman
Illinois Department of Juvenile Justice
60 E. Van Buren Suite 1374
Chicago, IL 60605
Phone: (312) 814-1308

https://idjj.illinois.gov/resources-research/independent-ombudsman 

 

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INDIANA

DCS Ombudsman Bureau

The DCS Ombudsman Bureau was created in 2009 by the Indiana State Legislature.  The Bureau has the authority to receive, investigate and attempt to resolve complaints concerning the actions of the Department of Child Services (DCS) and to make recommendations to improve the child welfare system.  The Bureau operates independently of DCS and is housed in the Department of Administration.

How to Contact:

Toll Free: (877) 682-0101

Fax: (317) 232-3154

Email: DCSOmbudsman@idoa.in.gov 

https://www.in.gov/idoa/ombudsman-bureaus/dcs-ombudsman-bureau/

 

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IOWA

Iowa Office of Ombudsman

We investigate complaints about agencies or officials of state and local governments in Iowa. We work with agencies to attempt to rectify problems when our investigation finds that a mistake, arbitrary, or illegal action has taken place.

How to Contact:

Ola Babcock Miller Building

1112 East Grand

Des Moines, Iowa 50319

Phone: (515) 281-3592

Toll Free: (888) 426-6283

Email: ombudsman@legis.iowa.gov 

https://ombudsman.iowa.gov/

 

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KANSAS

Office of the Child Advocate

The mission of the Office of the Child Advocate is to safeguard the right that all Kansas children have to be cherished, the opportunity to thrive, and are safe from abuse, neglect, and harm.

How to Contact: 

Landon State Office Building

900 SW Jackson St. Suite 1041

Topeka, KS 66612

Phone: (844) 572-4453

Email: childadvocate@ks.gov

 

KS Office of the Child Advocate | Home

 

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KENTUCKY

Office of the Ombudsman

The Commonwealth Office of the Ombudsman is dedicated to investigating complaints about any Cabinet for Health and Family Services employee or program received.

How to Contact:

Office of the Ombudsman

Health and Family Services
209 St Clair St.
Frankfort, KY 406001
Toll Free: (866) KYOMBUD

 https://www.kentucky.gov/government/Pages/AgencyProfile.aspx?Title=Office+of+the+Ombudsman

 

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LOUISIANA

Office of State Inspector General

Any person, including public employees, may file complaints or provide information concerning the operation of state government with the Office of State Inspector General. Complaints may be filed anonymously. Complaints or information may be filed online, in person, by mail, telephone, or fax.

How to contact: 

Office of State Inspector General

150 Third Street, 3rd Floor

Baton Rouge, LA  70801

Phone: (225) 342-4262

Toll Free: (866) 801-2549

Fax: (225) 342-6761

https://lla.la.gov/services/child-ombudsman

 

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MAINE

Children's 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.

How to Contact:

Phone: (207) 213-4773

Toll Free: (866) 621-0758

Email: ombudsman@cwombudsman.org

 

https://cwombudsman.org/

 

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MARYLAND

Foster Parent Ombudsman

The Maryland Foster Parent Ombudsman reviews and mediates issues made by or on behalf of public foster parents that may adversely affect their relationship with a foster child or the foster parents' rights. The Ombudsman office serves as a source of information and referral for foster care issues.

How to Contact:

Foster Parent Ombudsman

Foster Parent Ombudsman
13330 Salem Church Rd
Hagerstown, MD 21740
Phone: (443) 837-9227
Email: info@mrpa.org

https://mrpa.org/resources/foster-parent-ombudsman-information/

Foster Youth Ombudsman

Maryland’s appointed Foster Youth Ombudsman, serves as an advocate for youth in foster care across 24 local jurisdictions found in Maryland, including Baltimore City. The Ombudsman works to ensure accountability in treatment and service delivery and provides a platform for voices for children and youth in Maryland’s foster care system to be heard; while empowered to investigate complaints about state and local agencies regarding foster care and attempt to resolve complaints, on behalf of foster children, related to their care, placement or services.

How to Contact:

Phone: (443)509-0348
Email: loney.nguyen1@maryland.gov

 

 

MASSACHUSETTS

Office of the Child Advocate

The Office of the Child Advocate's goal is to ensure that every child involved with child welfare or juvenile justice agencies in Massachusetts is protected from harm and receives appropriate and effective services delivered in a timely and respectful manner.

How to Contact:

Office of the Child Advocate

One Ashburton Place, 11th Floor

Boston, MA  02108

Phone: (617) 979-8360

Toll Free: (866) 790-3690

Fax: (617) 979-8379

Email: childadvocate@mass.gov

http://www.mass.gov/childadvocate/

 

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MICHIGAN

Office of the Child Advocate

The Office of Child Advocate (OCA) is an independent state agency established by the Children's Ombudsman Act (Public Act 204 of 1994 ). In 2023, legislative changes resulted in expanded services to include Juvenile Justice as well as a name change for the office to the Office of the Child Advocate. The OCA's primary responsibility is to receive and investigate complaints concerning children who are involved with Michigan's child welfare system for reasons of abuse or neglect. In addition to addressing complaints, the OCA makes recommendations to the Governor, the Legislature, and the Department of Health and Human Services for changes in child welfare laws, rules, and policies to improve outcomes for children.

How to Contact:

Office of the Child Advocate

P.O. Box 30026

Lansing, MI 48909

Phone: (517) 241-0400

Toll Free: (800) 642-4326

Fax: (517) 335-4471

http://www.michigan.gov/oca

 

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MINNESOTA

Office of the Ombudspersons for Families

Office of the Ombudspersons for Families ensures that children and their families, covered by child protection services, are guaranteed fair treatment by all agencies that provide child welfare services.  The Ombudsperson monitors agency compliance with all child welfare laws and placement impacting a child of color.

How to Contact:

Office of the Ombudspersons for Families

1450 Energy Park Drive, Ste. 106

St. Paul, MN 55108

Phone: (651) 539-1257

Toll Free: (888) 234-4939

Fax: (651) 643-2539

Email: obff.info@state.mn.us

https://mn.gov/ombudfam/

 

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MISSOURI

State of Missouri Office of Child Advocate

The main function of the Office of Child Advocate is to : review foster care case management, review unsubstantiated hotline cases, mediate between parents and schools regarding abuse allegations in a school setting, review child fatalities for children and families that have had a history with the Children's Division, and provide information and referrals for families needing services.

How to Contact:

State of Missouri

Office of Child Advocate

P.O. Box 809

Jefferson City, MO  65102

Phone: (866) 457-2302

Email: oca@oca.mo.gov

http://oca.mo.gov/

 

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MONTANA

The Office of the Child and Family Ombudsman (OCFO)

The Office of the Child and Family Ombudsman (OCFO) responds to requests to protect the rights of children and families by improving case outcomes and strengthening Montana’s child welfare system.

How to Contact: 

Office of the Child and Family Ombudsman
PO Box 201417
Helena, MT 59620
Phone: (844) 252-4453
Fax: (406) 444-2759
Email: dojombudsman@mt.gov

https://dojmt.gov/enforcement/specialservices/ocfo-home/

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NEBRASKA

Ombudsman's Office

The Office of the Public Counsel (also known as the State Ombudsman's Office) is an independent complaint-handling office for the use of citizens who have complaints about the actions of administrative agencies of state government, that is, the bureaucracy of state government.

How to Contact:

Ombudsman's Office

Room 807, State Capitol

P.O. Box 94604

Lincoln, NE 68509-4604

Phone: (402) 471-2035

Toll Free: (800) 742-7690

Fax: (402) 471-4277

https://nebraskalegislature.gov/divisions/ombud.php

 

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NEVADA

Nevada State Advocate for Missing & Exploited Children

Our mission is to ensure that missing children are reunited with their families and to foster reunification and family stability by providing information to parents, children, and children's advocates about the law, court processes, research, and news that pertains to missing children. We also disseminate information about other issues related to families as well, including news, research, and legal issues about child abuse, and information about victims of crime and the rights of victims.

How to Contact: 

John Piet Sr. Deputy Attorney General - Nevada's Children's Advocate

Grant Sawyer Building

555 E. Washington Ave, Suite 3900

Las Vegas, NV 89101

Phone: (702) 486-3420

https://ag.nv.gov/Hot_Topics/Citizen/CA/childadvocate_Home/

 

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NEW HAMPSHIRE

Office of the Child Advocate

The mission of the Office of the Child Advocate is to lift up children by promoting equitable and effective reforms that meet the best interests of all New Hampshire children and strengthen public confidence and accountability in the State’s systems that support children and families.

How to Contact: 

Office of the Child Advocate
Johnson Hall
107 Pleasant Street
Concord, NH 03301
Phone: (603) 271-7773
Toll Free: (833) NHCHILD

Email: childadvocate@nh.gov

https://www.childadvocate.nh.gov/

 

 

NEW JERSEY

Office of Advocacy

The Office of Advocacy gathers feedback and identifies issues and trends to help DCF work in collaboration with its partner agencies to improve services to children and families.  We do this through our interaction with the Office of Performance Management and Accountability, governmental leaders and agencies, partners, families and the community.

How to Contact:

Toll Free: (877) 543-7864

Email: askdcf@dcf.nj.gov

https://www.nj.gov/dcf/about/divisions/oa/

 

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NEW YORK

The Office of the Ombudsman:

Their goal:

To be proactive, and not reactive.

To interact meaningfully with youth placed in the care of the New York State Office of Children and Family Services (OCFS).

To be effective advocates for our youth and make sure that they receive the services and care to which they are entitled.

To work collaboratively with others in order to remedy individual and systemic problems.

How to Contact:

The Office of the Ombudsman

52 Washington Street, 230N

Rensselaer, NY 12144

Toll Free: (888) 219-9818

Email: myallies@ocfs.ny.gov

http://ocfs.ny.gov/main/ombudsman/

 

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North Carolina

Child Welfare Services Constituent Concerns Office

The Constituent Concerns Office responds to questions, concerns, complaints, and general questions about Child Welfare Services within North Carolina and the role of the county/local Department of Social Services (DSS) in child welfare matters.  Anyone may contact this office when they have a concern about the involvement of DSS and the proper handling of a Child Welfare Case, including Child Protective Services (CPS) assessment, an In-Home Services case, a Foster Care case, or a case where the plan is changing to adoption. Inquiries may be sent by phone, email, and mail.

How to Contact:

Phone: (919) 527-6340

Email: DSSwebRequestsChildwelfare@dhhs.nc.gov

https://www.ncdhhs.gov/divisions/social-services/child-welfare-services/child-welfare-services-constituent-concerns-office

 

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OHIO

Youth and Family Ombudsmen Office

The office investigates and resolves concerns and complaints submitted by or on behalf of children and families involved with public children services agencies, Title IV-E agencies, or private provider agencies.

How to Contact:

Phone: (877) 649-6884

Online Contact Form: https://odjfs2.my.site.com/YFOForms/s/contactusform

 

https://youthandfamilyombudsmen.ohio.gov/

 

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OKLAHOMA

Office of Client Advocacy

The Office of Client Advocacy (OCA) provides advocacy services and helps resolve complaints about DHS services for DHS clients. OCA also provides special protection and advocacy services for individuals with developmental disabilities who are residents of a DHS-operated facility, former residents of DHS facilities or Hissom Class Members.

How to Contact:

Office of Client Advocacy

P.O. Box 25352

Oklahoma City, OK  73125-0352

Phone: (405) 522-2720

Fax: (405) 522-2680

https://oklahoma.gov/okdhs/about-us/ar/oca.html

 

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OREGON

Governor's Advocacy Office

The Governor's Advocacy Office serves thousands of families throughout Oregon every year. Citizens experiencing a problem with or seeking information about programs or services provided by Department of Human Services receive help and direction from the Governor's Advocacy Office's ombudsmen. These concerns include, but are not limited to, child and elder abuse and neglect, access to health and dental programs, homelessness, personal or family crisis, drug and alcohol treatment, mental health programs, and services for people with developmental disabilities.

How to Contact:

Oregon Department of Human Services

Governor's Advocacy Office

500 Summer Street NE E15

Salem, OR 97301-1097

Phone: (503) 945-6904

Toll Free: (800) 442-5238

Email: gao.info@odhs.oregon.gov

https://www.oregon.gov/odhs/about/Pages/gao.aspx

Foster Care Ombudsman

We are an independent resource to investigate complaints, concerns or violations of rights for children in the custody of the Oregon Department of Human Services. The Foster Care Ombudsman is part of the Governor's Advocacy Office.

How to Contact: 

Phone: 855-840-6036
Email: fco.info@odhsoha.oregon.gov 

https://www.oregon.gov/odhs/about/Pages/foster-care-ombuds.aspx 

 

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PENNSYLVANIA

Office of the Youth Ombudsperson

The Office of the Youth Ombudsperson (OYO) works to improve the safety and quality of services for youth in residential placements. To do this, we oversee the systems involved in congregate care for youth in Philadelphia. This includes operations of the child welfare, juvenile justice, and behavioral health systems.

How to Contact:

601 Walnut St. 

Suite 300 East

Philadelphia, PA 19106

Phone: (215) 686-1178

 

Office of the Youth Ombudsperson | Homepage | City of Philadelphia

 

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RHODE ISLAND

Office of the Child Advocate

The mission of the Office of the Child Advocate is to protect the legal rights of children in state care and to promote policies and practices which ensure that children are safe; that children have permanent and stable families; and that children in out of home placements have their physical, mental, medical, educational, emotional, and behavioral needs met.

How to Contact:

Office of the Child Advocate

6 Cherrydale Court, Cottage 43

Cranston, RI  02920

Phone: (401) 462-4300
Fax: (401) 462-4305

https://childadvocate.ri.gov/

 

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SOUTH CAROLINA

Department of Children's Advocacy 

The Department of Children’s Advocacy is an independent state agency that examines, on a system-wide basis, the care and services other state agencies provide children. We also recommend improvements to the quality of those services through the development and promotion of a broad vision for statewide reform. 

How to Contact: 

S.C. Department of Children's Advocacy
1205 Pendleton Street, Suite 471A
Columbia, SC 29201

Phone: (803) 734-3176
Toll Free: (803) 734-3176
Email: info@childadvocate.sc.gov 

https://childadvocate.sc.gov/

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TENNESSEE

Tennessee Commission on Children and Youth

The Tennessee Commission on Children and Youth's (TCCY) Ombudsman Program is an external problem resolution mechanism for children in the custody of the Department of Children's Services (DCS), relative caregiver program or Child Protective Services (CPS) system. TCCY has statutory authority to review children in the foster care system, kinship care or CPS and make recommendations for improvement. The ombudsman helps to resolve problems mediating the concerns of each person involved in the child's or family's case. 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.

How to Contact:

Tennessee Commission on Children and Youth

Andrew Johnson Tower

710 James Robertson Parkway, 9th Floor

Nashville, TN 37243-0800

Phone: (615) 532-1572

Toll free: (800) 264-0904

Fax: (615) 532-1591

http://www.state.tn.us/tccy/ombuds.shtml

 

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TEXAS

Office of the Ombudsman

The Office of the Ombudsman is a division of Texas Health and Human Services Commission.  Their mission is to serve as an impartial and confidential resource, assisting clients with health and human services-related complaints and issues.

How to Contact:

Texas Health and Human Services Commission

Office of the Ombudsman

P.O. Box 13247

Austin, TX 78711-3247

Toll Free: (877) 787-8999

Fax: (888) 780-8099

https://www.hhs.texas.gov/services/your-rights/hhs-office-ombudsman 

Foster Care Ombudsman

If you are in foster care and age 17 or under, the Ombudsman for Children and Youth in Foster Care can help. The office will:
Investigate any complaint you may have.

  • Help find a way to solve a problem.
  • Help you understand your rights.
  • Answer questions.
  • Provide resources to help you be successful when you leave foster care.

How to Contact:

Foster Care Ombudsman
PO Box 13247
Austin, TX 78711-3247
Phone: (844) 286-0769
Fax: (888) 780-8099

https://www.hhs.texas.gov/services/your-rights/hhs-office-ombudsman/ombudsman-children-youth-foster-care

 

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UTAH

Office of Child Protection Ombudsman

The Office of Child Protection Ombudsman was established by the Utah State Legislature to help the Department of Human Services (DHS) resolve concerns about the protection of children who are receiving services from the Division of Child and Family Services (DCFS).  The purpose of the Child Protection Ombudsman is to receive and investigate complaints to ensure that proper services are provided by DCFS.

How to Contact:

Office of Child Protection Ombudsman

195 N 1950 W
Salt Lake City, UT 84116

Phone: (801) 538-4589
Email: cpo@utah.gov 

https://dhhs.utah.gov/office-of-ombuds/cpo/

 

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VERMONT

Office of the Child, Youth, and Family Advocate

The Vermont Office of the Child, Youth, and Family Advocate (“OCYFA”) is an independent, nonpartisan office within the government of the State of Vermont. The OCYFA engages in individual and systemic advocacy on behalf of Vermont’s most vulnerable children, youth, and families, with a focus on children and youth involved in the child protection and juvenile justice systems.

How to Contact:

Phone: (802) 828-2828

Text: (802) 312-1010

Email: OCYFA@vermont.gov

 

Home | Vermont Office of the Child, Youth, and Family Advocate

 

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VIRGINIA

Office of the Children's Ombudsman

The Office of the Children’s Ombudsman (OCO) can receive and investigate complaints involving children who are alleged to have been abused or neglected, are receiving child protective services, are in foster care, or are placed for adoption.

How to Contact:

Phone: (804) 225-4801

Email: info@oco.virginia.gov

Complaints: complaints@oco.virginia.gov

Office of the Children's Ombudsman | Office of the Children's Ombudsman (virginia.gov)

Juvenile Justice Ombuds Information:

https://www.djj.virginia.gov/documents/residential/PREA/Ombuds%20Program%20Trifold%20English%2010.13.21.pdf

 

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WASHINGTON

Office of the Family and Children's Ombudsman

The Family and Children's Ombudsman investigates complaints in Washington state about agency actions or inaction that involve:  Any child at risk of abuse, neglect, or other harm and a child or parent involved with child protection or child welfare services.

The Ombudsman can intervene in cases in which they have determined that an agency's action or inaction is unauthorized or unreasonable. In addition to addressing complaints, we work to identify system-wide issues and recommend appropriate changes in public reports to the Governor, the Legislature, and agency officials.

How to Contact:

Office of the Family and Children's Ombudsman

6840 Fort Dent Way, Ste. 125
Mail Stop TT-99
Tukwila, WA 98188

Phone: (206) 439-3870
Toll Free: (800) 571-7321
TTY: (206) 439-3789
Fax: (206) 439-3877

https://ofco.wa.gov/contact-us

 

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Washington D.C. 

Office of the Ombudsperson for Children

The Office of the Ombudsperson for Children (OFC) is legislatively established as an independent, impartial office responsible to the Council of the District of Columbia. The OFC is tasked with improving outcomes for children involved with, previously involved with or otherwise known to the Child and Family Services Agency (CFSA), by holding agencies accountable for fulfilling their responsibilities under the law.

How to Contact:

Email: ombudsforchildren@dc.gov

Complaint Email: ofc.complaints@dc.gov

Phone: (202) 671-1321

 

https://ofc.dc.gov/

 

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WEST VIRGINIA

Foster Care Ombudsman

The Foster Care Ombudsman is a unit within the West Virginia Department of Health (DH), Office of Inspector General that advocates for the rights of foster children and foster/kinship parents, investigates and resolves complaints, and makes recommendations for child welfare reform. In short, the Foster Care Ombudsman provides assistance and resources to people who are served or affected by the child welfare system. People contact the Foster Care Ombudsman when they have a complaint or concern and a) don’t know where to go with it, b) have tried to address it through existing systems but were dissatisfied, or c) are afraid.

How to Contact:

Office of Inspector General

Foster Care Ombudsman

State Capitol Complex

Building 6, Room 817-B

Charleston, WV 25305

Phone: (304) 558-1117

Fax: (304) 558-1992

Email: FosterCareOmbudsman@wv.gov

https://www.wvdhhr.org/oig/fco.html

 

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WYOMING

Complaint Resolution Office

DFS makes it a priority to resolve client concerns or complaints about benefits, programs and other issues. Our staff works to conduct legal and other research on state and federal laws governing child welfare, federal benefits and eligibility and on other topics as assigned by the DFS director.

How to Contact:

Clint Hanes

Phone: (307) 777-6597

Email: clint.hanes1@wyo.gov

 

https://dfs.wyo.gov/about/complaint-resolution/

 

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United States Ombudsman Association

The United States Ombudsman Association (USOA) is a professional organization of governmental ombuds that works to support the professional development of public sector ombudsman offices.  The USOA does not have the authority to investigate or respond to individual complaints or mediate disputes. If you have a grievance with a governmental agency or business, please contact your state or municipal Ombudsman office, or the company or agency related to your dispute.

How to Contact: 

Online Contact form: https://www.usombudsman.org/contact-us/

Email: usoa@usombudsman.org  

 

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CANADA

British Columbia

Manitoba

New Brunswick

Nova Scotia

Ontario

Quebec

Yukon Territories

 

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British Columbia

How to Contact:

British Columbia Office of the Ombudsman

2nd Floor - 947 Fort Street

Victoria, BC

Phone: [250] 387-5855

Toll Free: [800] 567-3247

https://bcombudsperson.ca/ministry-of-children-and-family-development/

 

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Manitoba

How to Contact:

https://www.ombudsman.mb.ca/

Winnipeg Office

300-5 Donald Street

Winnipeg, MB R3L 2T4

Phone: (204) 982-9130

Toll Free: (800) 665-0531

Brandon Office

202-1011 Rosser Avenue (Scotia Towers)

Brandon, MB R7A OL5

Phone: (204) 571-5151

Toll Free: (888) 543-8230

Thompson Office

Suite 1720

City Centre Mall

300 Mystery Lake Road

Thompson, MB R7A OL5

Phone: (204) 677-7270

 

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New Brunswick

How to Contact:

New Brunswick Office of the Ombudsman

PO Box 6000

Fredericton, NB E3B 5H1

Phone: (506) 453-2789

https://www.cyanb.ca/

 

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Nova Scotia

How to Contact:

The Province of Nova Scotia Ombudsman Office

5657 Spring Garden Road, Suite 200 (Park Lane Terraces)

Halifax, NS B3J 3R4

Phone: (902) 424-6780

Toll Free: (800) 670-1111

Email: Ombudsman@novascotia.ca

https://ombudsman.novascotia.ca/contact-us

 

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Ontario

How to Contact:

Ontario Office of the Ombudsman

483 Bay Street

10th Floor, South Tower

Toronto, Ontario, M5G 2C9

Phone: (416) 586-3300

Toll Free: (800) 263-1830

Fax: (416) 586-3485

Email: info@ombudsman.on.ca

https://www.ombudsman.on.ca/what-we-do/topics/children-youth

 

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Quebec

How to Contact:

Protecteur du citoyen du Quebes

525, boul. Rene-levesque est .bureau 1.25

Quebec, PQ GIR 5Y4

Online Contact Form: https://educaloi.qc.ca/en/contact-us/

https://educaloi.qc.ca/en/capsules/the-quebec-ombudsman/

 

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Yukon

How to Contact:

Yukon Office of the Ombudsman

PO Box 2703

Whitehorse, YT Y1A 2C6

Phone: (867) 667-8468

Email: info@yukonombudsman.ca

https://www.yukonombudsman.ca/yukon-information-and-privacy-commissioner/youth