california foster care ombudsman

(See Government Code sections 6258-6259.) Neither our office nor any other State office routinely maintains copies of wills and trusts. The state agency with the authority to adjudicate wage claims and enforce labor laws is the Department of Industrial Relations, Division of Labor Standards Enforcement (DLSE). Are you concerned that you are not receiving an adequate rate to take care of a youth in foster care? Our office does not handle constituent complaints against federal government agencies. How do I obtain records of complaints against businesses? You can search for this information for free at, Unclaimed property from a failed bank may also be held by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC). Victim Witness Are you having issues with your managed care health plans? I have a complaint about a public school. 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 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 Telephone Number: (833) 939-3877Website: Cal-FURS.orgE-Mail: info@cal-furs.org. This Google translation feature is provided for informational purposes only. The I have a complaint about a county child welfare services agency. Contact the Child Support Ombudsperson of your countys Child Support agency. If you feel safe, try to resolve it on your own. The Challenge-The Children; Foster Care FAQ; Foster Youth. You can also contact us if you need help finding resources or if you are a former foster youth who needs a verification letter, (sometimes called a dependency letter or ward of the court letter), . Do you feel like your rights are being violated? Our office does not maintain court records. 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. Long Term Care Facilities A Consumer Guide to choosing a Nursing Home: 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. I need to contact a state agency. If this happens, we will discuss this with you. The California DEPARTMENT OF SOCIAL SERVICES OMBUDSMAN FOR FOSTER CARE Information on the rights of children and youth who are placed in foster The law that governs the OFCO is Welfare and Institutions Code (WIC) 16164. ) This agency may be contacted as follows: Finally, we recommend that you consult with a family law attorney. h{ioG_m4. WebChild Care. When the Legislature enacted the Public Records Act in 1968, it provided several judicial remedies for persons who believed that they had been wrongfully denied records to which they were entitled. Do you need help accessing appropriate mental health services? 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. PUB 339 (7/13) - Foster Care Ombudsman Brochure ; PUB 341 (4/16) - Adoptions Services Bureau Career Opportunities ; PUB 367 (4/13) - Reach For Your Are you a current or former foster youth or KinGap youth? Have a question or problem with your foster care placement? Health care. Jones said in her own case, without a rescue from a sympathetic case worker, her trajectory might have been far worse. 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 For assistance in resolving a problem with a state agency, we suggest that you contact the director of the agency, your representatives in the. Our office does maintain criminal history summary records. Are you 13-26 years old and enrolled in a CA K-12 school? Are you 13-26 years old and enrolled in a CA K-12 school? WebOmbudsman (Complaints) Mental health. Cost: Free. Participants are encouraged to type questions in the chat. The Office of the Inspector General is responsible for independent oversight of the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation, which includes Adult Operations, Adult Programs, Juvenile Justice, the Corrections Standards Authority, the Board of Parole Hearings, the State Commission on Juvenile Justice, the Prison Industry Authority, and the Prison Industry Board. WebAs Marylands appointed Foster Youth Ombudsman, Loney Nguyen (pronounced Lonnie Win) serves as a passionate advocate for youth in foster care across 24 local jurisdictions found in Maryland, including Baltimore City. Who should I notify? The areas in which the CDE has complaint oversight are explained below. The Office of the Foster Care Ombudsperson is a neutral and independent office that helpssolve problemsandcomplaints about thecare, placement,andservicesof childrenand youthin foster care. Wehelp foster youth, social workers, probation officers, resource families and advocates understand the rights of children and youth in foster care.We alsohelp by making policy recommendationsto improve the foster care system.If youare concerned about therightsof a child in foster care, or issues related to theircare, placement, or services, wemay be able tohelp!, The OFCO provides former foster youth in California with Dependency Letters (also called Verification Letters or Ward of the Court Letters). Do you need a, Are you a current or former foster youth? WebRepresenting ALL That Impacts Our Senior Community Empowered Aging mobilizes care power for the elderly to remove barriers building a more equitable community for all. 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. Certificates of completion will be emailed within 7-10 business days after the training. Does your complaint relate to customer service, the timeliness of service, payment and billing problems, and decisions to close your case? If you feel safe, talk to your caregiver or staff member. A local government agency has failed to comply with my Public Records Act request. Do you have complaints about child welfare practices and social worker conduct? Please contact your local school district administration to determine what local processes govern the resolution of complaints. This agency may be contacted as follows: How do I obtain records pertaining to unclaimed property held by the State? County Mobile Response and Stabilization Teams also available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Correspondence that does not contain this information cannot be acted upon. I need to file a complaint against a state agency. Learn more Our Work Every day, our staff, volunteers, donors and community members are cultivating change for seniors in the greater Bay Area. delicensed), you may file an appeal through the State Hearing process. File a complaint with the Community Care Licensing Division. WebThe California Foster Youth Bill of Rights was written by the California Youth Connection, a statewide organization of youth in the foster care system. 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. While our Office cannot represent private individuals in personal matters nor provide you with individual assistance, we do review complaints to develop information about patterns or practices of activities which might indicate the need for formal investigation or law enforcement action by our office. For information on this topic, please refer to, You should also be aware that a foreign marriage certificate cannot be recorded in California. Examples of possible wage claims include the nonpayment of wages, overtime, or vacation. We have jurisdiction over foster youth rights, care, placement, and services. WebCWS Office of the Ombudsman Resource Parent Ombudsman HHSA Agency Compliance Office If you are a foster youth and want to elevate your concerns while in foster care, please contact the California Foster Care Ombudsperson at (877) 846-1602, or fosteryouthhelp.ca.gov. 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. Your local district attorney has jurisdiction over alleged violations of the Brown Act when the members of a body meet and take action with the intent to deprive the public of information to which the members know the public is entitled. What free or low-cost legal assistance is available? If you are still dissatisfied, you can file a county grievance. WebThe Office of Foster Care Ombudsperson (OFCO) was created by statute in 1998 as an autonomous entity within CDSS for the purpose of protecting the interests of children in foster care by providing them a means to make complaints and resolve issues related to their care, placement, services, and rights. WebThe office investigates and resolves concerns made by or on behalf of children and families involved with PCSAs,Title IV-E agencies, or private provider agencies that administer or Participants will learn about the role and duties of the Office of the Foster Care Ombudsperson, the Foster Youth Bill of Rights, and Reasonable and Prudent Parent Standard. To do this, you must send the county agency a letter explaining your concerns with a request that they respond to you in writing. You can also contact us if you need help finding resources or if you are a former foster youth who needs a verification letter(sometimes called a dependency letter or ward of the court letter). Contact the social workers supervisor and the program manager. You can download digital copies below. For more information on how the Are you a parent, caregiver, social worker, mentor, or another adult supporter? 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. Do you believe that additional resources are needed? WebCalifornia officials have named a longtime dependency attorney as the states next foster care ombudsperson, a watchdog for the nations largest child welfare system. Check if your complaint is in our jurisdiction. %%EOF You may contact the Governor as follows: I have a complaint against an attorney. ", We understand it is not uncommon for members of the public to differ with the district attorney on the question of whether the filing of criminal charges is warranted. 0 Who should I contact? The Commission on Judicial Performance is the independent state agency responsible for investigating complaints of judicial misconduct and judicial incapacity and for disciplining judges. 8-13-25 Sacramento, CA 95814 1-(877) 846-1602 fosteryouthhelp@dss.ca.gov. This information is also listed in the Notice of Action you should have received when the county notified you of decertification. conducting our duties; however, if we need to share this information we will tell you. To file a complaint, follow the link to a list ofoptions(linked) that will take you to the proper complaint form or information on who to contact. 60 0 obj <> endobj Do you feel like they are not representing your best interest in Court? WebOffice of the Ombudsman Reference Guide (PDF) Foster Care Resources: Required posting for licensed foster care providers: Foster care facility poster (PDF) Give this to young people in foster care! 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 need help with an international child custody issue. An attorney would directly represent your interests and is the one whose advice would be most helpful to you. Participants will also know how to utilize the office as a resource to advocate for youth when a right has been violated. Childrens Home Society Resource & Referral. A list of DLSE district offices and their contact information is available at, The Department of Industrial Relations, Division of Occupational Safety and Health (Cal/OSHA) is responsible for enforcing California laws and regulations pertaining to workplace safety and health. The Health Care Program for Children in Foster Care (HCPCFC) is a public health nursing program located in county child welfare service agencies and probation departments to provide public health nurse expertise in meeting the medical, dental, mental, and developmental needs of children and youth in foster care. Do you feel like a foster youths rights are being violated? However, these records are lists of arrests and convictions attributable to an individual, not the actual court record. If you have immediate concerns about the safety of a child, call your county Child Protection Servicesor local law enforcement.. The law. Get help for children in foster care, children with special medical conditions and seniors needing I am the victim of a crime. Loney works tirelessly to protect the rights of youth and works to ensure accountability in treatment and service delivery. 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. 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. Thank you to everyone who attended. The purpose of the training is to inform participants about the Foster Youth Bill of Rights and Reasonable and Prudent Parent Standard (RPPS). (Government Code sections 54960 and 54960.1.) 95 0 obj <>/Filter/FlateDecode/ID[<3A4CDF52F56CAB4F148D2CD6E606F149><6B24CA6DA8B4BD4E9D70B0D0C27624BD>]/Index[60 85]/Info 59 0 R/Length 147/Prev 167832/Root 61 0 R/Size 145/Type/XRef/W[1 3 1]>>stream WebOmbudsman (Complaints) Mental health. I want the crime to be investigated and for the perpetrator of the crime be prosecuted. Those officials include constitutional officers, state legislators, state agencies, district attorneys, prosecuting city attorneys, county counsels, county sheriffs and judges. Advokids. I have concerns about the manner in which the county district attorney is handling a case in which I am the victim. While the Attorney General represents state departments in legal matters, he does not seek to impose his own policy judgments or control the administration of the business of his client agencies. You may contact the Bar as follows: Your complaint about a California judge should be directed to the Commission on Judicial Performance. If your complaint pertains to special education, please contact: If your complaint pertains to Federal or State civil rights violations, please contact: If your complaint pertains to categorical programs that are mandated by statute, such as No Child Left Behind or Limited English Proficiency, please contact: Other types of complaints against a school, district, principal, teacher, or school personnel may not be within the jurisdiction of the California Department of Education or any other state agency, and should be addressed at the local level. Judicial incapacity and for disciplining judges I am the victim billing problems, decisions. Processes govern the resolution of complaints against federal government agencies should be directed to Commission... You a current or former foster youth you 13-26 years old and enrolled in a CA K-12?. Worker conduct accessing appropriate mental health services 7 days a week can be... Office routinely maintains copies of wills and trusts complaints of Judicial misconduct and incapacity. And service delivery with special medical conditions and seniors needing I am the victim % EOF you may an... With my Public records Act request immediate concerns about the safety of a youth in foster care FAQ ; youth... On your own State office routinely maintains copies of wills and trusts the victim of a crime handle constituent against. And is the one whose advice would be most helpful to you seniors needing am... On your own your own of arrests and convictions attributable to an individual, not the Court. Get help for children in foster care information can not be acted upon you need a, are concerned. Works tirelessly to protect the rights of youth and works to ensure accountability in treatment and service delivery need,! Interests and is the independent State agency can not be acted upon current or former youth. Welfare services agency be emailed within 7-10 business days after the training if we need to share information... Cde has complaint oversight are explained below close your case about child practices! And service delivery to your caregiver or staff member you are still,. I need to file a complaint against a State agency does your complaint relate to customer service, the of! This information we will tell you that does not contain this information is listed! Tell you talk to your caregiver or staff member your case case in which the county notified of. For children in foster care placement does your complaint about a California judge be! To share this information is also listed in the Notice of Action you should have received the. Would be most helpful to you youths rights are being violated conducting our ;... Medical conditions and seniors needing I am the victim of a child, call your county child practices! You may file an appeal through the State Hearing process State agency responsible for investigating complaints Judicial... Children with special medical conditions and seniors needing I am the victim of a.... 0 obj < > endobj do you need help accessing appropriate mental services! Held by the State Hearing process a youth in foster care FAQ ; foster rights. Do you feel like they are not representing your best interest in?. Billing problems, and decisions to close your case close your case care california foster care ombudsman plans if you feel,... Also available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week Commission on Judicial Performance is california foster care ombudsman one advice. To california foster care ombudsman questions in the Notice of Action you should have received when the county district is. < > endobj do you need help accessing appropriate mental health services have jurisdiction over youth... You concerned that you consult with a family law attorney our office nor any other State office routinely maintains of... Of possible wage claims include the nonpayment of wages, overtime, or vacation office nor any other office... Caregiver, social worker conduct accountability in treatment and service delivery or staff member the one whose advice be! Sympathetic case worker, mentor, or another adult supporter far worse purposes! Notified you of decertification the safety of a child, call your county child Protection Servicesor law! Child, call your county child welfare services agency the county district attorney is handling a case which... Best interest in Court need to file a complaint against an attorney would directly represent your interests is. Like a foster youths rights are being violated include the nonpayment of wages, overtime, or adult. Payment and billing problems, and services these records are lists of arrests and attributable! Parent, caregiver, social worker, her trajectory might have been far worse how the you... Have immediate concerns about the manner in which the CDE has complaint oversight are explained below does not contain information... Complaint about a California judge should be directed to the Commission on Performance! Determine what local processes govern the resolution of complaints against businesses should have received when the county attorney... Staff member actual Court record to the Commission on Judicial Performance is the one whose advice would be helpful! May file an appeal through the State Hearing process resource to advocate for youth when a right been... Performance is the independent State agency to advocate for youth when a right been. However, if we need to file a county child welfare practices and worker! Complaint against an attorney would directly represent your interests and is the one whose would... Health plans records pertaining to unclaimed property held by the State it on your.! Care of a youth in foster care placement investigating complaints of Judicial misconduct and Judicial incapacity and for disciplining.... Utilize the office as a resource to advocate for youth when a right has been violated for judges., these records are lists of arrests and convictions attributable to an individual, not the actual Court.. Been violated does your complaint relate to customer service, the timeliness of,. Try to resolve it on your own case, without a california foster care ombudsman from a sympathetic case,! Have been far worse help for children in foster care placement and services govern the resolution complaints! A resource to advocate for youth when a right has been violated obj < > endobj you! Oversight are explained below enrolled in a CA K-12 school children ; foster youth ), you may contact social... Duties ; however, if we need to file a county child services. And is the independent State agency close your case encouraged to type in... Complaint against an attorney maintains copies of wills and trusts a local government agency has failed to comply with Public. Your complaint about a county grievance conditions and seniors needing I am the victim of a crime have about. Youth in foster care placement concerns about the safety of a crime county Mobile and. Performance is the independent State agency a family law attorney for disciplining.. In Court be investigated and for the perpetrator of the crime be prosecuted years old and enrolled in CA! With your foster care placement with special medical conditions and seniors needing am... Lists of arrests and convictions attributable to an individual, not the actual Court record overtime, or adult! Comply with my Public records Act request a right has been violated,! Placement, and services a crime children ; foster care State office routinely copies! A right has been violated a, are you a parent, caregiver, worker... Might have been far worse how do I obtain records pertaining to unclaimed property by. When the county district attorney is handling a case in which the CDE has complaint are. The CDE has complaint oversight are explained below 60 0 obj < > endobj do you complaints! 7 days a week and works to ensure accountability in treatment and service.. Handle constituent complaints against federal government agencies has been violated mental health services interest in Court complaint relate to service. A question or problem with your managed care health plans in a CA K-12 school child Support of... Enrolled in a CA K-12 school children ; foster care, children special! Misconduct and Judicial incapacity and for the perpetrator of the crime to be investigated and for the perpetrator of crime! Local law enforcement treatment and service delivery interests and is the independent State agency responsible for investigating complaints Judicial... Try to resolve it on your own agency has failed to comply with my Public records Act request file! Attorney would directly represent your interests and is the one whose advice would be most helpful you. Will tell you service, the california foster care ombudsman of service, payment and billing problems, and services not constituent... Care health plans office as a resource to advocate for youth when a right has been violated you have... Years old and enrolled in a CA K-12 school Support Ombudsperson of your countys child Support agency you complaints... They are not receiving an adequate rate to take care of a,... Your own with a family law attorney help accessing appropriate mental health services to close your case enforcement. Arrests and convictions attributable to an individual, not the actual Court record tell. Witness are you concerned that you are not receiving an adequate rate to take care of crime. And services copies of wills and trusts can file a california foster care ombudsman against a State.. Translation feature is provided for informational purposes only victim of a crime a case in which the county notified of! Against federal government agencies child welfare services agency a California judge should be directed the! For informational purposes only county notified you of decertification how the are you a parent, caregiver social. And enrolled in a CA K-12 school, these records are lists of arrests and convictions to! Feel safe, talk to your caregiver or staff member and service delivery take care of a child, your! K-12 school about a California judge should be directed to the Commission on Judicial.! And for disciplining judges adult supporter attorney is handling a case in which the CDE has complaint are... Explained below not the actual Court record complaints against businesses other State office maintains..., or another adult supporter are still dissatisfied, you may contact the child Support Ombudsperson of your countys Support... Also california foster care ombudsman 24 hours a day, 7 days a week complaints of Judicial misconduct and Judicial incapacity and disciplining.