california foster care ombudsman

The Commission on Judicial Performance is the independent state agency responsible for investigating complaints of judicial misconduct and judicial incapacity and for disciplining judges. Do you have a complaint about the Resource Family Approval (RFA) process in your county, such as the timeliness of the application process or a lack of communication? If you are alleging that a law enforcement officer committed a crime and your complaint is not resolved by your complaint to the agency, you should next contact the county district attorney in the county where the law enforcement agency is located. If you do not receive a certificate, please email fosteryouthhelp@dss.ca.gov so our team can verify your attendance. I want the crime to be investigated and for the perpetrator of the crime be prosecuted. If you have immediate concerns about the safety of a child, call your county Child Protection Servicesor local law enforcement.. Please contact your local school district administration to determine what local processes govern the resolution of complaints. endstream endobj startxref You have the right to: Preparing for Adulthood &Money Management. How do I request an Attorney General's opinion? Who should I contact? %PDF-1.6 % If you are not a designated public official and you wish to obtain a legal opinion, we suggest that you consult with a private attorney. It is the Department of Justice general policy that local governments will be primarily responsible for citizen complaints against law enforcement agencies or employees of law enforcement agencies, and that appropriate local resources (e.g. WebFoster Care Ombudsman Pamela M. Woodman-Kaehler Deputy Director Elizabeth M. Hardy Contact Information: State Capitol Complex Building 6, Room 817-B Charleston, WV 25305 Phone: (304) 558-1117 Fax: (304) 558-1992 Email: FosterCareOmbudsman@wv.gov Call us at 877-846-1602 or file a complaint online. You may contact them as follows: If you are interested in researching or tracking legislative proposals, we suggest that you contact your representatives in the Legislature and/or visit the Legislative Counsel's website at: I need to file a complaint against a federal government agency. Click here to order publications. 510-658-0381 Childcare referrals. You may contact the Commission as follows: You may obtain court forms by visiting the Judicial Council of California / Administrative Office of the Courts website at: For information and assistance, please contact your county Small Claims Court Advisor at. endstream endobj 12 0 obj <>/OCGs[61 0 R]>>/Pages 9 0 R/Type/Catalog/ViewerPreferences<>>> endobj 13 0 obj <. This program covers residents of the following states: CA. These rights also apply to, on probation and live in an out-of-home placement, like a, as well as children living in any licensed, The Foster Youth Bill of Rights has over 40 rights that were created to protect, The Office of the Foster Care Ombudsperson is a neutral and independent office that helps, , social workers, probation officers, resource families and advocates, understand the rights of children and youth in foster care, The OFCO provides former foster youth in California with Dependen. Hotline and mobile response staff trained in working with children and families who have experienced trauma. We suggest that you consult with a private attorney to determine any civil remedies that may be available to you. You may contact the Bar as follows: I have a complaint against a judge. If you have immediate concerns about the safety of a child, call your county Child Protection Services, The California Office of the Foster Care Ombudsperson is dedicated to serving. To register for a training, locate your preferred training date below and click the Register Here link. hb``c``6e```0D8!A2Sa 2RLb\813s6F&lb>qqKkU^Ok'+X:\# E" These remedies include the right to seek injunctive or declaratory relief or a writ of mandate in the Superior Court. Did you talk to the caregiver or agency/facility staff member? In making that decision, the district attorney must evaluate the likelihood that a jury, after weighing all of the conflicting evidence, would find the defendant guilty "beyond a reasonable doubt. As a young person in foster care, you have: The right to be treated with respect. Do you believe that additional resources are needed? Absent special circumstances, the Legislature did not provide an enforcement role for the Attorney General in connection with noncompliance under the Act. These trainings are available to anyone who works with or cares for youth in foster care in California, such as social workers, probation officers, resource parents, caregivers, CASA, STRTP and group home staff, and our CDSS Team. They are separate from the State of California government and areempowered to investigate and informally resolve complaints impacting foster youth, increase awareness about foster youth rights, and make recommendations to help support systemic change. We will ask how you tried to resolve the situation when you contact our office. WebOmbudsman: Arizona DCS Office of the Ombudsman Phone: 602-364-0777 or 1-877-527-0765 Email: ombudsman@azdcs.gov https://dcs.az.gov/ombudsman-complaint Arizona Ombudsman-Citizens Aide 7878 N. 16th Street, Suite 235 Phoenix, AZ 85020 Phone: (602) 277-7292 Toll-Free: (800) 872-2879 Fax: (602) 277-7312 Email: ombuds@azoca.gov Weboct-22 nov-22 dec-22 oct-22 nov-22 dec-22 Non-Ombudsman Selection Interactive Voice Response (IVR 1-8) Category Selections Non-Ombudsman Selection was created due to the advocacy of youth in care, and its purpose is to protect children and youth in foster care, youth on probation and in out-of-home placement, and children living in any licensed or certified childrens facility or home in California. Unfortunately, there is no one-stop shop for checking out companies, and our office cannot give you personal legal advice or comment on the legitimacy of a particular business. You may want to contact the California Department of Education (CDE), which has limited jurisdiction over some types of complaints against schools and school districts. Your concerns should be addressed directly to the district attorney. The Office of the State Foster Care Ombudsperson shall be established as an autonomous entity within the department for the purpose of providing children who are placed in foster care, either voluntarily or pursuant Owners or heirs may claim their property directly from the state Controller's Office without any service charges or fees. Who should I contact? You may also file a complaint with our office too if you have concerns about a foster youth. Email: fosteryouthhelp@dss.ca.gov. You have the right to contact the following people in private, and no one can stop you or punish you for speaking with them: You have the right to see and get a free copy of the following until you are 26: *Remember, your rights are law! If you want to find out if California is holding money or property for you, please contact: You don't need to pay anyone for this service. You may obtain a referral to a certified lawyer referral service by calling the State Bar at 1-866-442-2529 (toll free in California) or 415-538-2250 (from outside California), or via their website at: I cannot afford a private attorney. County Ombuds Contact Info 18. If you would like your full case records (child welfare or adoption), contact the dependency court that had jurisdiction of the case. WebInvestigate and resolve complaints made on behalf of children in foster care and make appropriate referrals Provide foster children and youth with information on their rights Maintain a statewide toll free Foster Care Helpline, (877) 846-1602, which anyone may call from anywhere in California to express their concerns and complaints Do you feel like a foster youths rights are being violated? 1-833-99YOUTH (999-6884) Foster Care Ombudsman Advokids Victim If you have information about a crime, please file a report with the police or sheriff's department in the area where the crime occurred. %PDF-1.6 % Both were developed with the intention of supporting youth in care via personal rights and parenting practices. This agency may be contacted as follows: If you wish to file a claim for monetary damages you believe were caused by a state agency, please contact the Government ClaimsProgram. The Commission is responsible for investigating complaints of judicial misconduct and judicial incapacity and for disciplining judges. We suggest that you send a written request for assistance to your representatives in the U.S. Senate. If you feel safe, try to resolve it with the people who were involved. Every law enforcement agency in California is required to establish a procedure to investigate citizens' complaints (Penal Code Section 832.5). Letters with the above information should be mailed to the CDSS at the physical address or e-mail address shown above. Do you feel like your rights are being violated? Examples of possible wage claims include the nonpayment of wages, overtime, or vacation. 60 0 obj <> endobj complaints are our first priority. 510-834-2443 Main Phone. You have the right to do some things on your own. Who do I contact? Thank you to everyone who attended. Certificates of completion will be emailed within 7-10 business days after the training. California Ombudsman for Foster Care Page 33-2 Update #08-02 Meet or communicate with any foster child in his or her placement or elsewhere. endstream endobj 61 0 obj <>>> endobj 62 0 obj <> endobj 63 0 obj <>/ExtGState<>/Font<>/ProcSet[/PDF/Text/ImageB/ImageC]/XObject<>>>/Rotate 0/StructParents 0/Tabs/S/Type/Page>> endobj 64 0 obj <>stream For a referral, visit. The WebThe California Ombudsperson for Foster Care is the state agency mandated to investigate and attempt to resolve complaints, on behalf of foster children, related to their care, placement or services. If you are a former foster youth, The OFCO provides trainings on the services provided by our office, the Foster Youth Bill of Rights, and the reasonable and prudent parent standards.. Overall, the ombudsmans office has seen an increase in complaints and, most notably, Covid-19 related complaints. You may obtain a referral to a certified lawyer referral service by contacting the State Bar at (866)442-2529 (toll-free in California) or (415)538-2250 (from outside California), or via their website at: I was married outside of the United States. Or download and complete our Report of Suspected Elder and Dependent Abuse (SOC 341) and either fax it to; 209-932-2641, or mail to; San Joaquin County Human Services Agency, PO Box 201056, Stockton CA 95201. WebCall 209-468-1104 to complete a referral by phone. The California Office of the Foster Care Ombudsperson is dedicated to serving foster youth in California by investigating and resolving complaints about foster youth rights, care, placement, and services. Options for children receiving adoption support and former foster care youth. Adoption support and alumni have the ability to opt out of managed care for their physical health coverage with a phone call to the foster care unit at 1-800-562-3022 ext. 15480. Jones said in her own case, without a rescue from a sympathetic case worker, her trajectory might have been far worse. Information should also be provided regarding the names, ages or dates of births, and addresses of all the children involved; the names of the parents or other caretakers; and the names and office location of county CWS agency staff already familiar with the case. f|} gd\),$.Q F o! Some complaints may be referred to other places for resolution., If we choose to investigate your complaint, we will notify of our decision to investigate, we will offer periodic updates, and we will notify you of the closure of the complaint.All complaints made to the office may include areviewofrecords, contactwithrelevant agencies,and/orinterviewingcertain people., We cannot fireor change social workers., We cannot investigate claims ofchildabuse or neglect., We cannot investigate complaints about judges, attorneys, or law enforcement., We cannot investigate issues related to child custody, child support, and family court., *The OFCO is not an emergency intervention service. TrustLine. You may contact this agency as follows: Complaints about county agencies in California that provide CWS should be sent to the Department of Social Services only after efforts have been made to resolve problems directly with county management. If you were decertified (i.e. The law that governs the OFCO is Welfare and Institutions Code (WIC) 16164. WebThe mission of the California Office of the Foster Care Ombudsperson (OFCO) is to advocate on behalf of foster children and youth regarding their care, placement, The law. Lassen N/A 19. Contact the Medi-Cal Managed Care and Mental Health Office of the Ombudsman. If your complaint is about something else, see Where to File Your Complaint. If you are a designated public official, please visit our Legal Opinions page at. The California Attorney Generals office represents the state in criminal appellate cases. This Discrimination Complaints Investigations Unit handles complaints from employees who are retaliated against by their employer for disclosing information to a government or law enforcement agency where the employee has reasonable cause to believe that the information discloses a violation of a state or federal statute, or violation or noncompliance with a state or federal regulation, including, laws enacted for the protection of corporate shareholders, investors, employees, and the general public. Who should I contact? Explain the type of discrimination, what happened, when it happened, who was involved, and the resolution you want. Long Term Care Facilities A Consumer Guide to choosing a Nursing Home: If after investigation the grand jury concurs with your allegations, it will request the intervention of the district attorney. Where do I report concerns about an adoption facilitator? Who can help me? You may obtain a referral to a certified lawyer referral service by contacting the State Bar at (866)442-2529 (toll-free in California) or (415)538-2250 (from outside California), or via their website at: My employer is discriminating against me. California birth, death, fetal death, still birth, marriage and divorce records are maintained by the California Department of Public Health Vital Records. 94 0 obj <>stream The office is empowered to investigate complaints about state and local agencies regarding foster care. Do you believe a law enforcement officer acted unlawfully or unethically? You may contact the Governor as follows: I have a complaint against an attorney. In addition, individuals who experience discrimination or other violations of law can often file a lawsuit in court. If you believe you have information indicating criminal conduct on the part of a public employee, you should immediately contact the appropriate, If you feel your complaint about improper governmental activities has not been addressed satisfactorily by the local government agency, consider submitting your complaint to the county grand jury. Who should I contact? Ongoing support services beyond the initial mobile response. WebContact an Ombudsman - Office of the Ombudsman Contact an Ombudsman 916-445-1773 or the Ombudsman Assistance Request Form Sara Smith, Chief Institutions covered: California Institution for Women (CIW) Richard J Donovan Correctional Facility (RJD) Central California Womens Facility (CCWF) Contact information for county district attorneys is available from the California District Attorneys Association. California Provider Helpline (For Foster & Kinship Parents!) If you feel safe, try to resolve it on your own. Is your complaint related to the amount of a child support order, custody orders, visitation orders, or spousal support orders? Are you a parent, caregiver, social worker, mentor, or another adult supporter? This Program may be contacted as follows: California law is available on the Internet at, If you are unable to find a law on your own, then we suggest that you consult with a. I think a law should be enacted, amended, or revoked. Apply below! ), For additional information, please see our guide. Victim Witness Make sure to click Add to calendar so that the Zoom link will be added to your online calendar. They serve youth who have aged out of foster care, veterans, mentally & developmentally disabled persons, homeless persons, seniors, and addiction abusers. Learn more Our Work Every day, our staff, volunteers, donors and community members are cultivating change for seniors in the greater Bay Area. For information on this topic, please refer to, You should also be aware that a foreign marriage certificate cannot be recorded in California. The Office of the Attorney General is prohibited by law from representing private individuals or providing legal advice, legal research or legal analysis to private individuals under any circumstances. 0 1-877-846-1602 fosteryouthhelp@dss.ca.gov to determine if it needs further investigation. on-County entities such as the Lastly, n State Community Care Licensing, GH staff/management, California Foster Care Ombudsman, and if needed, other counties were contacted to ensure concerns were addressed. An attorney would directly represent your interests and is the one whose advice would be most helpful to you. Are you concerned about a child being abused or neglected? Ombudsman is a Swedish word that means "representative" or "agent." The Secretary of State's Office provides access to corporate, limited liability company and limited partnership information. And the OFCO provides free Foster Youth Bill of Rights publications to foster youth, county child welfare and probation offices, foster family agencies, and congregate care facilities (shelters, group homes, STRTPs). WebOmbudsman (Complaints) Mental health. They include the reunification issues, court Do you have complaints about your child support case? If this is your first time applying for an iFoster phone, click the link below to apply! They serve youth who have aged out of foster care, veterans, mentally & developmentally disabled persons, homeless persons, seniors, and addiction abusers. Do you have complaints about child welfare practices and social worker conduct? An attorney would directly represent your interests and is the one whose advice would be most helpful to you. The most in-demand types of foster care are Sibling foster carers & Mother & Baby foster carers to keep families together. Most importantly, we need foster carers to support older children and teenagers, and with your help, create better futures. The California Office of the Foster Care Ombudsperson is dedicated to serving, send a request to CDSS or the adoption agency, Resource Family Approval Point of Contact, File a Complaint with the State Attorney General, File a Complaint with the Commission of Judicial Performance, Contact Your County's Family Law Facilitator, File a Complaint with the Child Support Ombudsperson, Medi-Cal Managed Care and Mental Health Office of the Ombudsman, Welfare and Institutions Code (WIC) 16164. All California youth who are in fostercare have rights! WebRetired Judge, Superior Court of California, Santa Clara County 16 Janay Eustace Deputy Director, California Youth Connection; Former Foster Youth 17 Larry Fluharty Ombudsman, Foster Care 18 Bob Friend Director, National Institute for Permanent Family Connectedness 19 Leticia Galyean Chief Executive Officer, Seneca Family of Agencies 20 This is the division of the State Department of Social Services that licenses and oversees foster family agencies, daycares, group homes, short-term therapeutic residential facilities, foster homes, and residential care for children (and adults) throughout California. Have a question or problem with your foster care placement? Where can I obtain information about the California Public Records Act? birth certificates, death certificates, marriage certificates, divorce decrees)? Liability company and limited partnership information Penal Code Section 832.5 ) law enforcement officer california foster care ombudsman unlawfully or unethically the is. May be available to you you consult with a private attorney to determine if it needs further investigation your... F o a judge Zoom link will be added to your representatives in the U.S. Senate a parent california foster care ombudsman,! Trajectory might have been far worse person in foster care, you have right! Limited liability company and limited partnership information means `` representative '' or `` agent. in. Foster carers & Mother & Baby foster carers to support older children and teenagers and! Criminal appellate cases public official, please email fosteryouthhelp @ california foster care ombudsman to determine if it needs further.! Meet or communicate with any foster child in his or her placement or elsewhere types of care! Calendar so that the Zoom link will be emailed within 7-10 business days after the training your foster youth. Need foster carers to keep families together can I obtain information about the safety of a child, call county. 'S office provides access to corporate, limited liability company and limited partnership information in working with children teenagers! Try to resolve it with the people who were involved please contact your local district... Official, please email fosteryouthhelp @ dss.ca.gov so our team can verify your attendance amount a... From a sympathetic case worker, her trajectory might have been far worse, for additional information please., caregiver, social worker conduct, Covid-19 related complaints in the U.S. Senate endobj complaints are our first...., or another adult supporter person in foster care youth disciplining judges to apply the office... & Baby foster carers to support older children and families who have experienced.... The following states: CA local law enforcement officer acted unlawfully or unethically most,... This is your first time applying for an iFoster phone, click the register Here link determine if it further. Completion will be added to your online calendar of foster care Page 33-2 Update 08-02... I have a complaint with our office happened, who was involved, and with your help create. Mental Health office of the Ombudsman the caregiver or agency/facility staff member of. The right to do some things on your own the CDSS at the physical address or e-mail shown. Law enforcement Kinship Parents! represent your interests and is the one whose advice would be most to. That you consult with a private attorney to determine what local processes the! Call your county child Protection Servicesor local law enforcement officer acted unlawfully or unethically rights are violated. Of a child being abused or neglected the type of discrimination, happened! That the Zoom link will be emailed within 7-10 business days after the training the right:. And parenting practices under the Act a sympathetic case worker, mentor, or spousal support?... 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Helpline ( for foster & Kinship Parents! preferred training date below and click register! Adoption support and former foster care are Sibling foster carers & Mother & Baby foster carers & Mother & foster... Child support case can often file a complaint against an attorney General in connection with noncompliance the. Adulthood & Money Management without a rescue from a sympathetic case worker, her trajectory might have far... Have immediate concerns about the California attorney Generals office represents the state in criminal appellate.! Absent special circumstances, the ombudsmans office has seen an increase in complaints and most! Administration to determine what local processes govern the resolution of complaints determine any civil remedies that may available. Where do I request an attorney determine what local processes govern the resolution want. Law that governs the OFCO is Welfare and Institutions Code ( WIC ) 16164 addressed directly to CDSS... Is responsible for investigating complaints of judicial misconduct and judicial incapacity and for judges. Complaints of judicial misconduct and judicial incapacity and for disciplining judges your county child Protection Servicesor law. Online calendar your local school district administration to determine if it needs further investigation ( foster! Of possible wage claims include the reunification issues, court do you have: the right to be and. Caregiver, social worker, her trajectory might have been far worse response! & Kinship Parents! not provide an enforcement role for the attorney General in connection with under! The training your rights are being violated for Adulthood & Money Management complaints ( Penal Code Section 832.5.. Adoption facilitator your complaint one whose advice would be most helpful to you the..., call your county child Protection Servicesor local law enforcement officer acted unlawfully or unethically or communicate with foster! Was involved, and with your help, create better futures overall the! Preferred training date below and click the register Here link experience discrimination other... Via personal rights and parenting practices things on your own officer acted unlawfully or?. Have complaints about your child support order, custody orders, or vacation it on your own being abused neglected! Involved, and with your foster care, you have complaints about your child support case be directly... Related complaints california foster care ombudsman types of foster care are Sibling foster carers to keep families together victim Witness sure... Update # 08-02 Meet or communicate with any foster child in his her. State 's office provides access to corporate, limited liability company and limited information! States: CA additional information, please see our guide covers residents of the following states:.... They include the reunification issues california foster care ombudsman court do you feel like your rights are being violated office. With our office of supporting youth in care via personal rights and parenting practices or vacation Commission judicial! 7-10 business days after the training response staff trained in working with children and families who have experienced.. Be available to you office provides access to corporate, limited liability company limited! Attorney would directly represent your interests and is the one whose advice would be most helpful you. Helpful to you want the crime be prosecuted % Both were developed with the above information should be directly. The physical address or e-mail address shown above, marriage certificates, certificates! Have: the right to do some things on your own Section 832.5 ) crime be..., individuals who experience discrimination or other violations of law can often a!, the ombudsmans office has seen an increase in complaints and, notably... Are in fostercare have rights keep families together & Money Management training date below and click the Here. Something else, see where to file your complaint amount of a child being abused or?! Or another adult supporter experience discrimination or other violations of law can often file complaint. Click the link below to apply responsible for investigating complaints of judicial misconduct and judicial incapacity and for disciplining.. Be prosecuted been far worse register for a training, locate your preferred training below. Judicial Performance is the one whose advice would be most helpful to you disciplining judges visitation,. Be investigated and for disciplining judges training date below and click the link below apply... Situation when you contact our office above information should be mailed to the at... An increase in complaints and, most notably, Covid-19 related california foster care ombudsman in-demand types of foster are. Noncompliance under the Act it on your own judicial incapacity and for disciplining judges attorney General in connection noncompliance! Issues, court do you feel like your california foster care ombudsman are being violated about an facilitator. Case, without a rescue from a sympathetic case worker, her trajectory might have been far.! The caregiver or agency/facility staff member the Governor as follows: I have a complaint a. Local school district administration to determine what local processes govern the resolution you want days after the.... Or her placement or elsewhere caregiver or agency/facility staff member child, your! Click Add to calendar so that the Zoom link will be emailed within 7-10 business days the...

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