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.
The OCA can investigate situations where it’s believed that the Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS), a private child-placing agency, and/or facilities providing residential or juvenile justice services, are not in compliance with laws, rules and DHHS policies or if they are not acting in the best interest of the child.
See more information about how to file a complaint or request advocacy today.
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 through our annual reports to bring about awareness and positive change.
The child welfare system is a vast, interconnected set of institutions and agencies. This website provides resource information to the public regarding the child welfare system. In addition, the OCA staff can provide insight into the system's processes as part of our investigations.
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.
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).
We are proud to announce that the OCA has been awarded the 2025 Bell Seal for Workplace Mental Health from Mental Health America (MHA)! MHA’s Bell Seal for Workplace Mental Health is the nation’s leading certification recognizing employers committed to creating mentally healthy workplaces. Receiving the 2025 Bell Seal validates our commitment to prioritizing employee well-being and encourages us to continuously improve our workplace wellness efforts.
As a Bell Seal recipient, the OCA joins a select community of organizations committed to transforming the workplace into more supportive and psychologically safer spaces where you can thrive.
Our work in the following areas served to determine our gold certification:
The leadership team remains firm in its commitment to our well-being, which is a testament to the positive workplace culture that our employees have helped us create.
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:
