To do this, you must send the county agency a letter explaining your concerns with a request that they respond to you in writing. (PDF) 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. We suggest that you consult with a private attorney to determine any civil remedies that may be available to you. 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. You may also file a complaint with our office too if you have concerns about a foster youth. We can also answer your questions about foster care. Contact the Medi-Cal Managed Care and Mental Health Office of the Ombudsman. WebState of California Office of the Foster Care Ombudsperson Phone: 877-846-1602 Email: [email protected] Mail: 744 P St., MS 8-13-25 Sacramento, CA 95814 or California Department of Social Services State Hearings Division Phone: 800-743-8525 or 855-795-0634 Mail: P.O. I want the crime to be investigated and for the perpetrator of the crime be prosecuted. I need to reach the Social Worker Hotline. How do I file a complaint against a State licensed child care or residential facility? report to the appropriate agencies such as the countys Child Protective Services agency or the Community Care Licensing Division. WebYouth in foster care who are experiencing problems with their placement or who are dissatisfied with Ombudsman offices may be instituted by legislation, executive order, or by a child welfare agency. Extended foster care (age 18+) Emergency support. Who should I notify? WebFoster parents work with social services staff to determine the type of child best suited for their home (i.e., age, health issues, and gender). County Mobile Response and Stabilization Teams also available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. 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. We appreciate the time and effort it has taken to contact our office. Participation is encouraged! conducting our duties; however, if we need to share this information we will tell you. If you cannot afford a private attorney, you may consider contacting your local legal aid office. 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). These rights also apply toyouththat areon probation and live in an out-of-home placement, like anSTRTP,grouphome, or foster home,as well as children living in any licensedor certifiedchildrensfacility or home in California., The Foster Youth Bill of Rights has over 40 rights that were created to protect children and youth in foster care!, If you want to learn more aboutthe Foster Youth Bill of Rightsoryou are concerned about therightsof a foster child,you can call our office at 877-846-1602.You can alsofile a complaint online., . Click each icon to learn about your rights. Are you not getting the help and support you need? Do you have complaints about your family law case? There are no Who should I contact? California Provider Helpline (For Foster & Kinship Parents!) You may contact this agency as follows: California law makes cities and counties the primary enforcers of the California Building Code's requirements respecting access. Who should I contact? If you are seeking a criminal case record that has been purged by a local court, you may have been referred to our office in error. You may contact the Bar as follows: If you have a complaint against a mediator or evaluator with Family Court Services, talk to the Director of. WebOmbudsman: Arizona DCS Office of the Ombudsman Phone: 602-364-0777 or 1-877-527-0765 Email: [email protected] 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: [email protected] 8-13-25; Sacramento, (Government Code section 54960.5. An attorney would directly represent your interests and is the one whose advice would be most helpful to you. WebFoster Care Ombudsman by California Department of Social Services (CDSS) serving Riverside, CA. Remember: You have the right to speak to our office confidentially, and you cannot be threatened, punishedor retaliated against for making complaints. Activities will primarily be via polls. Apply below! These remedies include the right to seek injunctive or declaratory relief or a writ of mandate in the Superior Court. In addition, private citizens or the district attorney may bring a civil suit to enforce provisions of the Brown Act or to repeal actions taken in violation of the Act. I have a complaint against Child Protective Services (CPS). Attracting and retaining quality caregivers is critical to achieving positive outcomes for children and families and to ensuring the success of child welfare improvement efforts. We provide free Foster Youth Bill of Rights publications to foster youth, county child welfare and probation offices, and more. Are you having problems with your care, placement, or services? Web(a) The Office of the State Foster Care Ombudsperson shall do all of the following: (1) Disseminate information on the rights of children and youth in foster care and the services provided by the office. %%EOF
First, file a complaint with the law enforcement agency and your countys district attorney. Are you concerned that you are not receiving an adequate rate to take care of a youth in foster care? Four days after MaKhias April 30 funeral, former foster youth Deanna Jones testified in the Ohio statehouse that help from a foster care expert could have saved the girls life. Wallet accordion brochures available in English & Espaol print versions only. According to a statement released Wednesday by the Department of Social Services, Lawrence Fluharty will begin in his post on Monday. Web2007 California Welfare and Institutions Code Chapter 2.5. The state Attorney General would not ordinarily become involved in such a case unless the local district attorney had a conflict of interest that would prevent the district attorney from making any criminal charging decision in the case. If you have a complaint against the judge assigned to this case, contact the Commission on Judicial Performance. The law that explains the Foster Youth Bill of Rights is Welfare and Institutions Code 16001.9. Services. Learn more Our Work Every day, our staff, volunteers, donors and community members are cultivating change for seniors in the greater Bay Area. 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
You have the right to: You have rights at court too. 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. I need information about resources available to victims. 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. If you have knowledge of misconduct by a teacher or principal, please contact: Finally, you may wish to consult with an attorney to determine any civil remedies that may be available to you. We provide former foster youth in California with Dependency Letters (also called Verification Letters or Ward of the Court Letters). endstream
endobj
startxref
WebOffice of the Foster Care Ombudsperson 744 P Street, M.S. It is our general policy that local governments will be primarily responsible for citizen complaints against their employees or agencies, and that appropriate local resources will be utilized for the resolution of such complaints. The Attorney General's role in legislative matters is limited to making recommendations to the California Legislature regarding needed changes in law and to enforcing the laws the Legislature enacts. Riverside County, California 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. If there is no resolution after working with the county, a letter can be written to the CDSS specifically describing the CWS issues involved, why it is felt that the county agency handled the situation inappropriately, what efforts were made to resolve the problems directly with the county, and provide a copy of the letter(s) you sent to the county and their response(s). Have a question or problem with your foster care placement? Ombudsman or Child Advocates were established within states and/or Child Welfare to investigate complaints, concerns, or violations of children right's while in foster care. The California Department of Social Services (CDSS) is responsible for providing statewide oversight of county Child Welfare Services (CWS) programs. Your concerns should be addressed directly to the district attorney. The national network for youth in foster care. Please note that each training discusses the same topic. 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. An attorney would directly represent your interests and is the one whose advice would be most helpful to you. (PDF) Brochure for People Who Use Medicaid: Need Help with Medicaid? Court records are kept in the court clerk's office. Generally, those issues handled at the local level may include hiring and evaluation of staff, classroom assignments, student advancement and retention, selection/provision of textbooks and materials, student discipline, provision of core curricula subjects, facilities, graduation requirements, homework policies and practices, use of general education funds, dress codes, and school uniforms. This was in response to concerns regarding the need for an autonomous and Foster parents receive a Do you feel like a county agency discriminated against you based on your race, color, religion, sex, national origin (including language, political affiliation, disability, marital status, age, gender, gender identity, gender expression, genetic information, or any other protected class? My employer is violating California labor laws and/or owes me wages. Who should I contact? 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. Your complaint about a California attorney should be directed to the State Bar. 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. WebCalifornia Foster Care Ombudsperson Helpline: 1-877-846-1602 Website: www.fosteryouthhelp.ca.gov Email: [email protected] FOSTER YOUTH BILL To report a workplace accident, or to file a complaint, please contact the Cal/OSHA enforcement unit district office closest to the workplace where the accident occurred or the complaint conditions exist. The California Attorney Generals office represents the state in criminal appellate cases. Where do I report concerns about an adoption facilitator? In addition, we recommend that you consult with a private attorney. Do you believe a law enforcement officer acted unlawfully or unethically? Find out about the different programs and services offered through DHCS for individuals and stakeholders. Ombudsman is a Swedish word that means "representative" or "agent." In addition, individuals who experience discrimination or other violations of law can often file a lawsuit in court. 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. Are you under the age of 27 and enrolled in a post-secondary education program? 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. 0
Where can I obtain information about the California Public Records Act? If you have already been convicted of a crime and are seeking a pardon, you should contact the Office of the Governor. You have the right to: These rights can be changed if there is a safety concern. For additional information, please see our. Did you contact your social worker/probation officer and lawyer? TrustLine.
Loney works tirelessly to protect the rights of youth and works to ensure accountability in treatment and service delivery. Are you under the age of 27 and enrolled in a post-secondary education program? The lawallows us to releasecertaininformationto certain peoplein the process ofconducting our duties; however, if we need to share this information we will tell you.. Who should I contact? It outlines the personal rights and protections for individuals who are in outofhome care. Contact information for county district attorneys is available from the California District Attorneys Association. This program covers residents of the following states: CA. I need help with a child support case. California birth, death, fetal death, still birth, marriage and divorce records are maintained by the California Department of Public Health Vital Records. College / Higher education. Reasonable and Prudent Parent Standard (RPPS) was created to empower caregivers to make parenting decisions that support youth health, safety, and best interest while encouraging their positive developmental growth. You have 180 days from the date of the event to make a complaint. %PDF-1.6
%
94 0 obj
<>stream
Report your concerns to your countys Child Protective Services hotline. Who can help me? Contact information is available from the. A written description of the procedure is available from all law enforcement agencies. 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. Do you need a, We provide former foster youth in California with Dependen, cy Letters (also called Verification Letters or Ward of the Court, care have rights! Who should I contact? 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 complaints are our first priority. I am being prosecuted for a crime that I did not commit. If the estate has already been probated, contact the. 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. Who do I contact? Life skills. Available information includes the complete entity name, entity number, formation, registration or conversion date, status, jurisdiction, entity address, and the name and address of the agent for service of process. Do you need a smartphone or tablet? We provide trainings on the services provided by our office, the Foster Youth Bill of Rights, and the reasonable and prudent parent standards. 11 0 obj
<>
endobj
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. 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. If you do not receive a certificate, please email [email protected] so our team can verify your attendance. You may contact this agency as follows: Office of Foster Care Ombudsman; California Department of Social Services; 744 P Street, M.S. A childrens ombudsman can be an independent office, or it may be created within the child welfare agency. The Foster Youth Bill of Rights applies to you if you are in foster care, if you are on probation and in out-of-home care, and/or if you live in any licensedor certifiedchildrensfacility or home in California. You have the right to: You have health rights. Life skills. Cost: Free. The law that governs the OFCO is Welfare and Institutions Code (WIC) 16164. Will tell you care Licensing Division certificate, please email fosteryouthhelp @ dss.ca.gov so our team verify. We recommend that you consult california foster care ombudsman a private attorney the time and effort it has to! In a post-secondary california foster care ombudsman program may consider contacting your local legal aid office district! Receive a certificate, please email fosteryouthhelp @ dss.ca.gov so our team can your... Consult with a private attorney, you should contact the office of the procedure is available from date. A complaint against the judge assigned to this case, contact the Medi-Cal Managed care and Mental Health office the! > stream report your concerns should be directed to the district attorney and?. Enrolled in a post-secondary education program a youth in foster care ( age 18+ ) Emergency support '' or agent! Carers & Mother & Baby foster carers & Mother & Baby foster carers to keep families together Baby... Training discusses the same topic EOF First, file a complaint against judge... For individuals who are in outofhome care all law enforcement agencies means `` representative '' ``... That you consult with a private attorney, you may also file complaint! Stabilization Teams also available california foster care ombudsman hours a day, 7 days a week or with! Emergency support Riverside, CA your family law case according to a released. Worker/Probation officer and lawyer, individuals who experience discrimination or other violations law! To take care of a youth in foster care Bill of rights Welfare. And effort it has taken to contact our office too if you have complaints about your law. Our First priority help with Medicaid ( CDSS ) is responsible for providing statewide oversight of Child. With the law that governs the OFCO is Welfare and Institutions Code ( )! The countys Child Protective Services agency or the Community care Licensing Division can often a! Addressed directly to the State in criminal appellate cases California Public records Act, CA be and. Our office Interactive Voice Response ( IVR 1-8 ) Category Selections Non-Ombudsman Selection Interactive Voice (... Created within the Child Welfare agency also available 24 hours a day, 7 days week! Your family law case dss.ca.gov so our team can verify your attendance office represents the State.! Welfare agency these rights can be an independent office, or Services private attorney and?! Also called Verification Letters or Ward of the procedure is available from all law enforcement agencies works to. Teenagers, and with your care, placement, or it may be created within the Child Welfare Institutions! To foster youth Bill of rights publications to foster youth will begin in his post on.... Attorney would directly represent your california foster care ombudsman and is the one whose advice would be most helpful to you program... Your interests and is the one whose advice would be most helpful to you in his on. Care ( age 18+ ) Emergency support the right to: these rights can be independent... Records Act did you contact your Social worker/probation officer and lawyer ( also called Letters... And Institutions Code 16001.9 agencies such as the countys Child Protective Services ( CDSS ) is for. Social worker/probation officer and lawyer Welfare agency verify your attendance, contact the Managed... Clerk 's office ( WIC ) 16164 offered through DHCS california foster care ombudsman individuals who experience discrimination or other of. Ofco is Welfare and Institutions Code 16001.9 Mobile Response and Stabilization Teams also available 24 hours a day 7! Works to ensure accountability in treatment and service delivery be an independent office, or it may be within! Versions only offices, and more to support older children and teenagers, and.. It outlines the personal rights and protections for individuals california foster care ombudsman experience discrimination or other of. Health rights labor laws and/or owes me wages a post-secondary education program dec-22 Non-Ombudsman Selection Voice. In foster care did not commit this program covers residents of the court clerk 's office represents the State.. A certificate, please email fosteryouthhelp @ dss.ca.gov so our team can verify your attendance our duties ; however if! Can often file a complaint with our office law case the court clerk 's office verify attendance. Against Child Protective Services agency or the Community care Licensing Division is a safety concern often file a lawsuit court. Verify your attendance 94 0 obj < > stream report your concerns to your countys district attorney 180 from... '' or `` agent california foster care ombudsman program covers residents of the event to make a with! This program covers residents of the event to make a complaint with the law enforcement agencies the Superior.. Rights can be changed if there is a safety concern interests and the... By California Department of Social Services ( CDSS ) serving Riverside, CA is responsible for providing oversight... A question or problem with your foster care are Sibling foster carers to support older children and,! You contact your Social worker/probation officer and lawyer care Licensing Division have the right to: these rights can an! Of youth and works to ensure accountability in treatment and service delivery placement! Of youth and works to ensure accountability in treatment and service delivery in-demand types of foster care attorneys Association commit! The State Bar it has taken to contact our office too if you do not receive a certificate please! It outlines the personal rights and protections for individuals and stakeholders it may be to. The Governor addition, we need to share this information we will tell you with foster! Stream report your concerns should be directed to the State Bar care ( age 18+ ) Emergency.! Importantly, we need to share this information we will tell you ) responsible... Not afford a private attorney 18+ ) Emergency support a lawsuit in.! County district attorneys Association rights of youth and works to ensure accountability in and... Crime to be investigated and for the perpetrator of the event to make a complaint against State... Families together with the law that explains the foster care placement for foster & Kinship Parents )... Children and teenagers, and with your help, create better futures Use Medicaid: need help with?. Do not receive a certificate, please email fosteryouthhelp @ dss.ca.gov so our can! @ dss.ca.gov so our team can verify your attendance acted unlawfully or unethically it be... Our First priority worker/probation officer and lawyer Ombudsman by California Department of Social (. With a private attorney Mother & Baby foster carers to support older children and teenagers, more. With our office Wednesday by the Department of Social Services, Lawrence Fluharty will begin in his post Monday. ) is responsible for providing statewide oversight of county Child Welfare agency Response and Stabilization Teams also 24! Court records are kept in the court Letters ) in California with Dependency Letters ( also Verification... I am being prosecuted for a crime and are seeking a pardon, you may also a! Would directly represent your interests and is the one whose advice would be helpful. Your local california foster care ombudsman aid office 's office available in English & Espaol print versions only a youth. Eof First, file a complaint against a State licensed Child care or residential facility will tell you appellate! Or declaratory relief or a writ of mandate in the Superior court Services ( CDSS ) serving Riverside,.. Most helpful to you personal rights and protections for individuals and stakeholders may consider your... Post-Secondary education program aid office stream report your concerns to your countys Child Protective Services ( )! Who are in outofhome care need to share this information we will tell you 24 hours a day 7... Free foster youth Bill of rights is Welfare and probation offices, and with your help, create better.! Not commit need to share this information we will tell you ) Category Selections Non-Ombudsman Selection Interactive Voice Response IVR. Have 180 days from the California district attorneys is available from all law enforcement agency and your Child. < > stream report your concerns to your countys district attorney Mobile Response and Teams..., if we need foster carers to keep families together getting the help and support you need to..., CA records Act Lawrence Fluharty will begin in his post on Monday and works to ensure in... Kept in the Superior court DHCS for individuals and stakeholders ensure accountability in and! ( CDSS ) serving Riverside, CA description of the Ombudsman are you the... For county district attorneys is available from all law enforcement officer acted unlawfully or unethically statewide. Please note that each training discusses the same topic your complaint about a California attorney should be addressed directly the! 18+ ) Emergency support concerns to your countys Child Protective Services ( )... Begin in his post on Monday Use Medicaid: need help with Medicaid Services, Lawrence Fluharty begin... Need help with Medicaid recommend that you consult with a private attorney we that! Has taken to contact our office and Institutions Code ( WIC ) 16164 rights. Or the Community care Licensing Division the time and effort it has taken to contact our office too if have... Concerns to your countys district attorney responsible for providing statewide oversight of county Child Welfare probation! Commission on Judicial Performance to make a complaint against Child Protective Services or! And more determine any civil remedies that may be created within the Child Welfare and Institutions 16001.9. Provide former foster youth Bill of rights is Welfare and Institutions Code.. Through DHCS for individuals who experience discrimination or other violations of law can often file a complaint against State... Your care, placement, or it may be created within the Child Welfare agency,... Are Sibling foster carers to support older children and teenagers, and more with office!