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ALASKA

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:

Anchorage
P.O. Box 102636
Anchorage, AK 99510-2636

(907) 269-5290
Fax: (907) 269-5291
Toll Free: (800) 478-2624

Juneau
P.O. Box 113000
Juneau, AK 99811-3000

(907) 465-4970
Fax: (907)465-3330
Toll Free: (800) 478-4970

http://www.state.ak.us/ombud

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ARIZONA

The Arizona Office of the 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 inpartial investigations and makes recommendation to the agency to resolve both individual complaints as well as systemic issues.

How to contact:

Arizona Office of the Ombudsman/Citizens' Aide
3737 N. Seventh Street, Ste. 209
Phoenix, AZ 85014

(602) 277-7292
Fax: (602) 277-7312
Toll Free: (800) 872-2879

How to contact:

The division of Children, Youth, and Families, Family Advocate response 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: (887) 527-0765

https://egov.azdes.gov/cmsinternet/main.aspx?menu=154&id=3383

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ARKANSAS

The Foster Parent Ombudsman serves as an advocate for foster parents and acts as a liaison between the DCFS staff and the foster parents.  The Ombudsman helps answer questions, provides training and assistance, and works to help resolve complaints or problems the foster parent might be having with the Division.

How to contact:

The Foster Parent Ombudsman

(501) 683-2735

http://www.arkansas.gov/dhs/chilnfam/AreaManagers.htm

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CALIFORNIA

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

http://www.fosteryouthhelp.ca.gov/Complaints1.html

The Group Home Ombudsman serves as an advocate and problem solver for children placed in group homes in Los Angeles County. The Ombudsman is independent from the agencies that place children in group homes. Children are encouraged to call or email the Ombudsman who will conduct an investigation of the issues they raise if needed and provide assistance in the resolution of problems.

How to contact:

Group Home Ombudsman
500 W. Temple Street, 515
Los Angeles, CA  90012

(213) 974-4225
Fax: (213) 346-9020

http://auditor.lacounty.gov/children_services_om.htm

The mission of the Children's Service Operation Bureau is to protect children who are at risk, safeguard the rights of those who receive child welfare services and maintain the integrity of families by assisting and supporting counties' compliance with uniform implementation of laws and regulations governing the provision of child welfare services.

How to contact:

Children's Service Operation Bureau
744 P. Street, M.S. 3-90
Sacramento, CA  95814

(916) 651-8100

http://www.dss.cahwnet.gov/cfsweb/PG1327.htm

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COLORADO

How to contact:

Complaint Resolution Process
Colorado Department of Human Services
Division of Child Welfare
1575 Sherman Street, 2nd Floor
Denver, CO 80203-1714

(303) 866-4511
Fax: (303) 866-5563

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CONNECTICUT

How to Contact:

Office of the Child Advocate
State of Connecticut
999 Asylum Avenue, 1st Floor
Hartford, CT 06105

(860) 566-2106
Toll Free: (800) 994-0939
Fax: (860) 566-2251

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DELWARE

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:

The Office of the Child Advocate
900 King Street, Ste. 210
Wilmington, DE 19801

(302) 255-1730
Fax: (302) 577-6831
or
6 West Market Street, Ste. 1
Georgetown, DE  19947

(302) 856-5720
Fax: (302) 856-5722

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

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FLORIDA

We are the Guardians of the Public Trust as mandated by Section 402.164 - 167, Florida Statutes to safeguard the health, safety, welfare and rights of the clients of those programs and services provided by the State of Florida health and human services delivery system from conditions or individuals that constitute a threat to our clients' civil and human rights. We have a responsibility to report both to the Governor and to the Legislature as to program and services problems and recommendations to correct them. Our duties are carried out through a statewide network of investigations, monitorings and other mission-related functions performed by our Florida Local Advocacy Councils.

How to Contact:

Florida Statewide Advocacy Council
2727 Mahan Drive, MS-57
Tallahassee, Florida 32308

(904) 488-6173
Fax: (904) 922-5312

http://www.floridasac.org/

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GEORGIA

The vision for the Office of the Child Advocate is that it be the first place for those in government and the private sector to turn for advice, assistance, and aid regarding the at-risk families and foster children of our state.

Office of the Child Advocate
3312 Northside Drive
Suite D-250
Macon, GA  31210

(478) 757-2661
Toll Free: (800) 254-2064
Fax: (478) 757-2666

http://gachildadvocate.org/02/ca/home/0,2697,84387339,00.html

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HAWAII

Office of the Ombudsman independently and impartially investigate a complaint against state and county agencies.  If the Ombudsman finds that the complaint is substantiated, the Ombudsman can attempt to resolve the problem with the agency. However, the Ombudsman does not have the power to compel or reverse administrative actions but instead try to resolve substantiated complaints through recommendations and reasoned persuasion.

How to Contact:

Office of the Ombudsman
KeKuanoa Bldg., 4th Floor
465 S. King Street
Honolulu, HI 96813

(808) 587-0770
Fax: (808) 587-0773

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

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ILLINOIS

Office of the Inspector General, a division of Department of Children and Family Services, was 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:

Office of the Inspector General
Dept. of Children & Family Services
Capital Plaza
Eight Floor
Springfield, IL 62701

(312) 433-3000
Toll Free: (800) 722-9124
Fax: (312) 433-3032

http://www.state.il.us/dcfs/library/com_communications_inspector.shtml

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IOWA

The Office of Citizens' Aide/Ombudsman serves as an independent and impartial agency to which citizens can air their grievances about government. By facilitating communications between citizens and government and making recommendations to improve administrative practices and procedures, the Ombudsman promotes responsiveness and quality in government.

How to Contact:

Iowa Citizens' Aide/Ombudsman
Capital Complex
215 East 7th Street
Des Moines, IA 50319-0231

(515) 281-3592
Toll-Free: 1-888-IA-OMBUD
Fax: (515) 242-6007

http://www.legis.state.ia.us/ombudsman/

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KENTUCKY

The Office of the Ombudsman answers questions about CHFS programs, investigates customer complaints, works with CHFS management to resolve them, and advises CHFS management about patterns of complaints and recommends corrective action when appropriate.

How to Contact:

Office of the Ombudsman
Cabinet for Health and Family Services
275 E. Main St., IE-B
Frankfort, KY 40621

(502) 564-5497
Toll Free: (800) 372-2973
Fax: (502) 564-7573

http://chfs.ky.gov/os/omb/

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LOUISIANA

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

Louisiana Office of State Inspector General
P.O. Box 94095
Baton Rouge, LA  70804-9095

(225) 342-4262
Toll Free: (866) 801-2549
Fax: (225) 342-6761

http://www.doa.louisiana.gov/oig/complaint.htm

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MAINE

The Maine Children's Ombudsmanis an impartial office which specializes in assisting people with resolving concerns with State of Maine's Child Protective Services Department of DHHS.

Children's Ombudsman
303 State Street
Augusta, Maine  04330

(207) 623-1868
Fax: (207) 626-3302

http://www.mainechildrensalliance.org/am/publish/OMBabout.shtml

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MARYLAND

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
Maryland Department of Human Resources
311 W. Saratoga Street
Baltimore, MD  21201

(410) 767-7561
Fax:  (410) 333-0922

Foster Parent Brochure

(It may take up to 10 seconds to load)

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MASSACHUSETTS

Massachusetts has a general office responsible for dealing with all areas of state government and community interaction.

How to Contact:

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MICHIGAN

The Office of Children's Ombudsman (OCO) is an independent state agency established by the Children's Ombudsman Act ( Public Act 204 of 1994  ). The OCO'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 OCO makes recommendations to the Governor, the Legislature, and the Department of Human Services (DHS) for changes in child welfare laws, rules, and policies to improve outcomes for children.

How to Contact:

Office of Children's Ombudsman
P.O. Box 30026
Lansing, MI 48909

(517) 373-3077
Toll Free: (800) 642-4326
Fax: (517) 335-4471

Brochure

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MINNESOTA

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 55108-5227

(651) 603-0058
Toll Free: (888) 234-4939

http://www.ombudsfamilies.state.mn.us/

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MISSOURI

How to Contact:

Human Relations & Citizen Complaints
415 E. 12th Street, Room 703
Kansas City, MO 64106

(816) 881-3670
Fax: (816) 881-3030

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MONTANA

How to Contact:

Department of Family Services
P.O. Box 8005
Helena, MT 59604

(406) 444-5900
Fax: (406) 444-5956

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NEBRASKA

In 1969, Nebraska was the second state to establish a state ombudsman office. The title in Nebraska is Public Counsel and is authorized under Sections 81-8,240 to 81-8,254, Revised Statutes of Nebraska.

 

How to Contact:

• State Ombudsman's Office
  P.O. Box 94712
  Room 807 State Capitol
  Lincoln, NE 68509-4712
  (402) 471-2035
  Fax: (402) 471-4277
  

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NEW HAMPSHIRE

Provided for in New Hampshire Law (RSA 126-A:4 III).

 

How to Contact:

New Hampshire Department of Health and Human Services Ombudsman Office
6 Hazen Drive
Concord, NH 03301

[603] 271-6941

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NEW MEXICO

How to Contact:

Social Services Client Relations Liaison (re: children)
Children Youth & Families
P.O. Drawer 5160 P.E.R.A. Room 254
Santa Fe, NM 87502

(505) 827-8442
Fax: (505) 827-8480

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NEW YORK

New York first established municipal ombudsman offices in Nassau County, Long Island (1967) and Jamestown, NY (1970).

 

How to Contact:

Public Advocate for the City of New York
1 Centre Street, Room 1500
New York, New York, 10007

(212) 669-7200
Fax: (212) 669-4701

Website: http://www.pub.advocate.nyc.gov

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OHIO

Ohio has citizen complaint offices in various locations.

 

How to Contact:

• Executive Director/Ombudsman
  Citizens of Cuyahoga County Ombudsman
  2800 Euclid Avenue, Suite 207
  Cleveland, OH 44113
  (216) 696-2710
  Fax: (216) 696-3317
  

• Children's Ombudsman/Lucas County
  705 Adams Street
  Toledo, OH 43624
  (419) 327-3241
  Fax: (419) 327-3717

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OKLAHOMA

On 1/13/98, Rep. Al Lindley, D-Oklahoma City, proposed the creation of a children's ombudsman. The Oklahoma Office of Advocate Defender is authorized by Oklahoma Statutes Title 10 § 1403.3.

 

How to Contact:

Advocate General Office of Client Advocacy, Office of Advocate Defender
Oklahoma Department of Human Services
P.O. Box 25352
Oklahoma City, OK 73125

(405) 521-3491
Fax: (405) 521-6684

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OREGON

How to Contact:

• Citizens' Representative Office, Office of the Governor
  1601 State Capitol
  Salem, OR 97310
  [503] 378-5116

• Office of the Ombudsman, Auditor's Office
  City of Portland
  1221 SW 4th Avenue, Room 140
  Portland, OR 97204-1900
  [503] 823-0144

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RHODE ISLAND

The Rhode Island ombudsman statute is found in Rhode Island General Laws § 42-73-1 et seq .

 

How to Contact:

State of Rhode Island
Office of Child Advocate
West Exchange Center
260 W. Exchange Street
Providence, RI 02930

(401) 222-6650

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SOUTH CAROLINA

The South Carolina statute is South Carolina Code Annotated § 20-7-5210 et seq .

 

How to Contact:

Children's Case Resolution System
Governor's Office
Ombudsman Division
1205 Pendleton St., Room 308
Columbia, SC 29201

(803) 734-0385
Fax: (803) 734-0385

 

South Carolina Families for Kids
A public/private partnership between the South Carolina Department of Social Services and the United Way of South Carolina, South Carolina Families for Kids offers a combination of commitment, experience and resources that have made the adoption and foster care system more responsive and responsible. South Carolina Families for Kids & South Carolina Children's Justice Task Force funds the Children's Law Project at the University of South Carolina which advocates on behalf of children.

 

How to Contact:

Children's Law Project
University of South Carolina
Carolina Plaza, 12th Floor
Columbia, SC 29208

(803) 777-1646
Fax: (803) 777-8686

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TENNESSEE

How to Contact:

Tennessee Commission on Children and Youth
Child and Family Services
Andrew Johnson Tower
710 James Robertson Parkway
Nashville, TN 37243-0800

(615) 532-1572
Fax: (615) 741-5956

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TEXAS

How to Contact:

Mary Gordon Spence, Ombudsman
Texas Natural Resources Commission
P.O. Box 13087 Capitol Station
Austin, TX 78711-3087

(512) 239-4000
Fax: (512) 239-4007

 

The Texas Department of Protective & Regulatory Services, through the Children's Justice Act Project (CJA), has supported the development of child advocacy centers and death review teams throughout the state.

How to Contact:

Texas Department of Protective & Regulatory Services
P.O. Box 149030
Austin, TX 78714-9030

(512) 450-4907
Fax: (512) 450-3525

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UTAH

The Utah Division of Child and Family Services has a Child Ombudsman Office.

 

How to Contact:

Child Protection Ombudsman
Division of Child and Family Services
Child Ombudsman Office
120 N. 200 W., P.O. Box 45500
Salt Lake City, UT 84145-0500

(801) 538-4100
Fax: (801) 538-3993

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WASHINGTON

How to Contact:

Office of Family & Children's Ombudsman
6720 Fort Dent Way, #240
Tukwila, WA 98186

(206) 439-3870

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WYOMING

How to Contact:

Wyoming Department of Family Services
2300 Capitol Avenue -- Hathaway Third Floor
Cheyenne, WY [307] 777-3679

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MISCELLANEOUS RESOURCES:

American Bar Association Center on Children and the Law
1800 M Street, NW Ste. 200S
Washington, DC 20036

(202) 331-2670

Center on Children and the Law
740 15th Street, NW
Washington, DC 20005

(202) 662-1720
Fax: (202) 662-1755

United States Ombudsman Association
8345 University Blvd., Suite F-1
Des Moines, IA 50325

(515) 225-2323
Fax: (515) 225-6363
Email: usoa@usombudsman.org

 

Society of Professionals in Dispute Resolution (SPIDR)
1621 Connecticut Ave., N.W. Suite 400
Washington, DC 20009

(202) 265-1927
Fax: (202) 265-1968

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ANTIGUA

How to Contact:

Office of the Antigua and Barbuda Ombudsman
Deaney Place and Dickenson Bay Street
PO Box 2049
St. John's, Antigua

[268] 462-9364

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CANADA

British C olumbia  Manitoba  New Brunswick  Nova Scotia  Ontario  Quebec  Yukon Territories

British Columbia

How to Contact:

British Columbia Office of the Ombudsman
931 Fort Street
Victoria, BC V8V 3K3
[250] 387-5855

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Manitoba

How to Contact:

Province of Manitoba
750-500 Portage Avenue
Winnipeg, MB R3C 3X1

[204] 786-6483

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New Brunswick

How to Contact:

New Brunswick Office of the Ombudsman
767 Rue Brunswick Street
PO Box 6000
Fredericton, NB E3B 5H1

[506] 453-2789

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Nova Scotia

How to Contact:

The Province of Nova Scotia Ombudsman Office
5675 Spring Garden Road, Suite 300
Halifax, NS B3J 3B7

[902] 424-6780

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Ontario

How to Contact:

Ontario Office of the Ombudsman
125 Queen's Park Road
Toronto, ON M5S 1C7

[416] 586-3485

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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
[418] 644-6565

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Yukon

How to Contact:

 

Yukon Office of the Ombudsman
PO Box 2703
Whitehorse, YT Y1A 2C6
[867] 667-8468