California Ombudsman for Foster Care

SB 933 (Chapter 311, Statutes of 1998) established a State Ombudsman for the Foster Care Program within the California Department of Social Services. It is the intent of legislature to provide an independent forum for review and resolution of concerns related to the care, placement or services provided to children and youth placed in Foster Care.

SB 933 and WIC Section 16167 require county Social Workers to provide Foster Parent providers and/or Foster Care children with a toll-free number for the Office of California State Ombudsman for Foster Care as well as verbal or written information regarding the existence and purpose of the Office.

Policy

Counties must provide information regarding the Office of the California State Ombudsman for recipients of the Foster Care Program. The State has provided the “California State Office of the Ombudsman for Foster Care” Brochure (PUB 339) that explains the purpose of the Office and how to contact the State Ombudsman Office when issues and concerns arise.

Functions of Office of the Ombudsman

The office of the State Ombudsman for Foster Care is mandated to perform three main functions:

  1. Disseminate information on the rights of children and youth in Foster Care and the services provided by the Office. The information includes notification that conversations with the Ombudsman may not be confidential, and that all reports of child abuse will be reported.
  2. Investigate and attempt to resolve complaints made by or on behalf of children placed in foster care, related to their care, placement and services. All fact-finding inquiries will be conducted in a neutral and objective manner.
  3. Compile and make available to the Legislature all data collected over the course of the year including, but not limited to, the number of contacts to the toll-free telephone number, the number of complaints made, the number of investigations performed by the Office, the number of referrals made, and the number of unresolved complaints.

Duties of the Ombudsman and Staff

The Ombudsman and staff are authorized to:

  • Meet or communicate with any foster child in his or her placement or elsewhere.
  • Access any record of a state or local agency that is necessary to carry out the responsibilities of the Office.
  • Investigate any and all complaints received by the Office, and decide whether to investigate a complaint further or refer the complaint to another agency.
  • Report all findings to the California Department of Social Services and to the Legislature.
  • The authority of the Ombudsman Program is limited as follows:
  • The Ombudsman does not have the authority to challenge court decisions.
  • The Ombudsman can recommend case reassessments but is not empowered to change case plans.
  • The Ombudsman does not have any authority regarding personnel issues. Complaints regarding discrimination will be referred to the appropriate Civil Rights Office.

Brochure (PUB 339)

The brochure PUB 339 must be placed in all District Office lobbies for availability to our clients.

Related Topics

Overview