State Ombudsman Program

Overview

The Foster Care Ombudsman program is an independent bureau within the California Department of Social Services. Its purpose is to provide children who are placed in Foster Care with the means to resolve issues related to their care, placement and services.

Ombudsman Duties

The Foster Care Ombudsman duties include the following:

Acts as an advocate for children in Foster Care,
Acts as a mediator who will coordinate with others involved in the care of the child in foster care,
Works to insure that quality care is provided in all out-of-home placements,
Acts as an independent forum for the investigation and resolution of complaints made by or on behalf of children placed in foster care and makes appropriate referrals, and
Provides children and youth with information of their rights when placed in foster care.

Ombudsman Authority

The Ombudsman is a mandated reporter and is authorized to:

Conduct an investigation when deemed necessary,
Access any record of a state or county agency that is necessary to carry out their responsibilities (Confidentiality rules do not apply),
Meet and communicate with any foster child in his or her placement or elsewhere,
Attempt to resolve the complaint informally, and
Submit a written plan to the relevant agency recommending a course of action to resolve the complaint.

Limits to Ombudsman’s Authority

The Ombudsman and staff are not authorized to:

Challenge Juvenile Court decisions, or
Change a case plan.

Note: The Ombudsman may make recommendations for changes in an attempt to resolve a complaint.

FC Eligibility Worker Duties

FC EW shall cooperate fully with the Office of the Ombudsman and:

Respond quickly, returning telephone calls to the Ombudsman within 24 hours,
Provide access to any record or information necessary to carry out their investigation, including court reports, case narratives or other case documentation, and
Not disclose any client-attorney-privileged documentation, i.e., any case-related communication between County Counsel and the Department.

Ombudsman Address and Contact Information

Foster Care Ombudsman

744 P Street, M.S. 9-025

Sacramento, CA 95814

Phone Number: 1-877-846-1602

Fax Number: 1-916-651-6568