• Independently investigate citizen complaints about children involved with protective services, foster care, adoption services, and juvenile justice to determine whether the Department of Human Services and/or private agency actions and decisions complied with laws, rules, and agency policy.

Note: The Ombudsman has the sole authority and discretion to determine whether a complaint will be investigated.

• Release reports to OCO complainants, the Department of Human Services, and private child placing agencies detailing investigative findings and recommendations that address improvements to laws, policies, and agency practices.
  
• Assist citizens with their concerns about child welfare matters.
  
• Educate the public about the child welfare system.