Your correspondence must include specific information about misconduct that violates state law, the details of your efforts to resolve the complaint with the local authorities, copies of your complaint(s) to the local authorities and copies of their response(s). 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. How do I get copies of vital records (e.g. Cost: Free. (See Government Code sections 6258-6259.) WebOmbudsman (Complaints) Mental health. 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. 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? These publications explain the rights that you have while in foster care. There is a proverb that says, The harvest is plentiful, but the laborers are few.. The law that governs the OFCO is Welfare and Institutions Code (WIC) 16164. Apply for an free cell phone! I lost a civil lawsuit, and I feel the outcome was unjust. I don't like the way a county employee treated me. You should first direct your complaint to the local law enforcement agency. WebOmbudsman 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. Our office does not handle constituent complaints against federal government agencies. The Commission has exclusive jurisdiction over complaints against judges. 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. The California Secretary of State provides authentication (apostille or certification) of public official signatures on documents to be used outside the United States. WebFoster Care Ombudsman: Tracy Ward (925) 334-0698, cfsombudsman@ehsd.cccounty.us Kinship Support & Education Services Lilliput Family Services (East) 925-384-1650 Uplift Family Services (Central) 925-602-1750 Youth Services Bureau (West) 510-215-4671 Sweet Beginnings Family Resource Center An attorney would directly represent your interests and is the one whose advice would be most helpful to you. The areas in which the CDE has complaint oversight are explained below. In recognition of individual rights of privacy and the need of government agencies to maintain the confidentiality of certain records, the Act provides several exemptions that permit government agencies to withhold specified information involving, for example, personnel, investigations, and litigation. Wallet accordion brochures available in English & Espaol print versions only. My employer is violating California labor laws and/or owes me wages. (Government Code sections 54960 and 54960.1.) Every month the Office of the Foster Care Ombudsperson (OFCO) provides instructor led virtual trainings about the Foster Youth Bill of Rights and Reasonable and Prudent Parent Standard. Are you a current or former foster youth or KinGap youth? Owners or heirs may claim their property directly from the state Controller's Office without any service charges or fees. 888-452-8609 MMCDOmbudsmanOffice@dhcs.ca.gov. Foster parents receive a College / Higher education. Your request for assistance should include the following information: I need to file a complaint against a local government agency. WebChild Care. treat you unfairly because of your race, ethnicity, ancestry, national origin, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity and expression, mental or physical disability, HIV status, or membership in a federally recognized Indian tribe, live in a home or STRTP that maintains the social and cultural standards of your Tribe and tribal community, live in a home of your relatives or extended family or a home that is licensed, approved, or specified by your Tribe, live in an Indian foster home that is licensed or approved, or a facility that is approved by your Tribe or an Indian organization that meets your needs, live in a place that reflects and keeps you connected to the cultural and social standards of your Tribe and/or tribal community, contact your ICWA advocate and have them attend court, contact your Tribe, tribal members, and Indian community, have a social worker/probation officer, and lawyer who is trained in ICWA, participate in traditional Native American religious practices, get help becoming a member of an Indian tribe or Alaskan village, get all the benefits that come from being a member of an Indian tribe or Alaskan village, be free from discrimination and be recognized for your relationship with an Indian Tribe or Alaskan village, have protections for your tribal relationship in your case plan, live in a home or STRTP based on your gender identity, be called by your chosen name and gender pronouns, see a doctor or counselor who is gender affirming, have clothing, grooming, and hygiene products that respect your gender identity and expression, have a caregiver, social worker/probation officer, and lawyer that have been trained on SOGIE and how to care for LGBTQ+ youth, stay at your same school if its best for you, get partial credits for all classes you were passing if you change schools, have priority enrollment in pre-school and after-school programs, have priority enrollment at California State Universities and community colleges, access information about college and career education programs, get information about your sexual health in a way that you understand, use or refuse services for birth control, condoms, other types of protection, and pregnancy care, including abortion, without telling an adult, get healthcare services for sexual assault without telling an adult, if you are 12 years or older, choose your own doctor or counselor and make decisions about preventing, testing, or treating STIs and HIV without permission from any adult, get gender affirming mental health treatment, work with your doctor to safely stop taking psychotropic medication, refuse to take psychotropic medication, and no one can punish you for it, know about your diagnosis and understand treatment options, get help with an alcohol or drug problem without permission, get mental health services in a place that meets your needs, if you are 12 years or older, choose your own doctor or counselor and make decisions, see a doctor, dentist, eye doctor, or talk to a counselor when you need to, refuse to take any medicines, vitamins, or herbs, and no one can punish you for it, have the risks/benefits of treatment explained to you in a way that is easy to understand, tell the judge what you want to have happen in your case, tell the judge how you feel about your psychotropic medications, ask the judge for visits with your siblings, request a hearing if you feel like your lawyer is not acting in your best interest, ask for people to be in the courtroom or ask for people to leave, keep your court records private (unless the law says otherwise), tell the judge how you feel about your family, lawyer, and social worker/probation officer, a lawyer, separate from your parents and the county, make sure you are safe and have the services and supports you need, tell the judge what you want to have happen, answer questions you have about court, foster care, and other laws, have a case plan within 60 days of being in foster care, have your case plan updated at least every 6 months, get a copy of it if you are age 10 and older, have your Tribe involved in case plan decisions, plans for visitation with your parents and siblings, transition to independent living plan (TILP), if you are 16 or older, a CFT meeting within 60 days of entering foster care, a CFT meeting at least every 90 days if you are in an STRTP or in a therapeutic foster home, a CFT meeting at least every 90 days if you are getting certain types of services, a CFT meeting when any changes are going to be made to your case plan, visit and contact your parents, siblings, and other family members in private (unless a judge says you cannot), contact people who are not in the foster care system (like friends, church members, teachers, and others), unless a judge says you cannot, your own bank account (unless your case plan says you cannot), work (unless the law says you are too young), earn, save, and manage your money (unless your case plan says you cannot), go to Independent Living Program (if you are old enough), beginning at age 14, get a credit report every year from 3 major reporting agencies and have help fixing any issues, use a phone to make and get confidential (private) calls, privately use email, text messages, or other electronic communication, foster youth advocates and Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASAs), Office of Foster Care Ombudsperson (OFCO). Lassen N/A 19. You can contact us at the California Office of the Foster Care Ombudsperson (OFCO)! Contact information is available at, In addition, please visit our Victims Services Unit website, at. Who can help me? I want to contact the Foster Care Ombudsmans Office. In addition, individuals who experience discrimination or other violations of law can often file a lawsuit in court. WebAdopting Children in Foster Care; Considering Adoption for Your Child; Adoptions FAQ; Foster Parents. The California DEPARTMENT OF SOCIAL SERVICES OMBUDSMAN FO R FOSTER CARE (Not DHCS) Information on the rights of children and youth who are Contact the California Office of the Foster Care Ombudsperson. 59 0 obj <>/Filter/FlateDecode/ID[]/Index[11 84]/Info 10 0 R/Length 202/Prev 324902/Root 12 0 R/Size 95/Type/XRef/W[1 3 1]>>stream How do I file a complaint against a State licensed child care or residential facility? 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! WebCall 209-468-1104 to complete a referral by phone. Information about how to obtain your own state summary criminal history record is available at. California registry of in-home providers who have passed a background screening. If you have any doubts about a company's business practices, here is some general advice to consider: Ask about licenses and compliance with applicable state and local requirements. If you want to know if you are listed on the Child Abuse Central Index (CACI), send a self-inquiry requestto the Department of Justice. Does your complaint relate to customer service, the timeliness of service, payment and billing problems, and decisions to close your case? Do you need a, Are you a current or former foster youth? 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. If after investigation the grand jury concurs with your allegations, it will request the intervention of the district attorney. 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. Please note that each training discusses the same topic. Who should I contact? 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). Contact the countys Resource Family Approval Point of Contact. Who should I contact? 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. 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. Who should I notify? I need to contact a state agency. Do you have concerns about the quality of a foster home or community care facility? The agency with authority to investigate violations of the Americans With Disabilities Act (ADA) is the U.S. Department of Justice. Copyright 2020 FosterClub, Inc. All rights reserved. 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 Who should I contact? However, that decision rests with the locally elected official responsible for such a decision, the district attorney. (PDF) Brochure for People Who Use Medicaid: Need Help with Medicaid? 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. The State Bar has jurisdiction over the licensing, regulation, and discipline of lawyers. Contact the Child Support Ombudsperson of your countys Child Support agency. We can also answer your questions about foster care. Explain the type of discrimination, what happened, when it happened, who was involved, and the resolution you want. 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. If your complaint is about criminal misconduct and the local agencies dont take action, you may file a Citizen Complaint with the State Attorney Generals Office. You may wish to consult with a private attorney to determine any civil remedies that may be available to you. If there is an immediatesafety issue, we may alsomake areport to the appropriate agencies such as the countys Child Protective Services agency or the Community Care Licensing Division.If this happens, we will discuss this with you. 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. Do you feel like they have engaged in judicial misconduct such as being rude, treating people improperly in Court, or delaying decision-making? You have the right to: You have mental health rights too. Do you feel like a foster youths rights are being violated? However, at this time we are unable to assist you. Do you feel like you are not receiving the same benefits and services as others? 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 Thank you to everyone who attended. In 2018, the Joint Legislative Audit and Review Commission recommended creating an ombudsmans office to help fix problems in the states foster care system. 1-877-846-1602 fosteryouthhelp@dss.ca.gov We have a confidentiality policy to protect the identity of people who call to make a complaint. 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. 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. Family to Family; Kinship; Going to Court- for Kids; El ABC de Sueno Seguro para su Bebe; The ABC of 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. Are you a parent, caregiver, social worker, mentor, or another adult supporter? Every law enforcement agency in California is required to establish a procedure to investigate citizens' complaints (Penal Code Section 832.5). To file a wage claim or report a labor law violation, please contact the DLSE district office closest to the city/location/community where you performed work. I need to file a complaint against a state agency. sheriff or police department, district attorney, and citizens review commission in the area of jurisdiction) be utilized for resolution of such complaints. 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). Are you a youth in foster care, a youth who is on probation and in out-of-home care, or a non-minor dependent? I need to know what law pertains to my situation. That should be the motto of the work we do in health care because we have so much work to do with our patient population but lack the manpower often to execute it. I am the victim of a crime. Activities will primarily be via polls. Who should I contact? If you need to establish a record of the marriage in California, you can file a petition in Superior Court to establish a. Where do I report concerns about an adoption facilitator? %PDF-1.6 % 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. Do you have complaints about your child support case? FosterClub is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization: National Foster Care Youth & Alumni Policy Council. Free Help Line: 1-877-846-1602 California County Independent Living Program (ILP) and 510-834-2443 Main Phone. We provide free Foster Youth Bill of Rights publications to foster youth, county child welfare and probation offices, and more. Family Support Service. Is my marriage legal or recognized in California? 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. This agency may be contacted as follows: The Board of Psychology licenses and regulates psychologists. You may contact the Governor as follows: I have a complaint against an attorney. TrustLine. 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. Are you under the age of 27 and enrolled in a post-secondary education program? I need help with a child support case. Do you have complaints about your family law case? They serve youth who have aged out of foster care, veterans, mentally & developmentally disabled persons, homeless persons, seniors, and addiction abusers. WebOmbudsman (Complaints) Mental health. Find out about the different programs and services offered through DHCS for individuals and stakeholders. delicensed), you may file an appeal through the State Hearing process. Training certificates have been sent out. %PDF-1.6 % 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), . ), For additional information, please see our guide. Helping children and youth in foster care get the care, placement, and services they need. The law that governs the OFCO is Welfare and Institutions Code (WIC) 16164. ) File a complaint with the State Bar of California. These decisions are made through Family Law Court. The Challenge-The Children; Foster Care FAQ; Foster Youth. 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. Enforcement agency contacted as follows: the Board of Psychology licenses and regulates.! Ombudsperson ( OFCO ) foster youth, county Child Welfare and probation,! Complaint oversight are explained below non-minor dependent request the intervention of the Americans with Disabilities (! A county employee treated me rights publications to foster youth, county Child Welfare Institutions. Your own state summary criminal history record is available at former foster youth, county Child Welfare Institutions... Petition in Superior Court to establish a procedure to investigate citizens ' complaints Penal! Record of the district attorney is Welfare and probation offices, and services through. Use Medicaid: need Help with Medicaid ( e.g allegations, it will request intervention! Do I get copies of vital records ( e.g youths rights are being violated, when it happened when. Harvest is plentiful, but the laborers are few at the California Office of the district attorney ;... Of california foster care ombudsman for your Child ; Adoptions FAQ ; foster youth, county Child Welfare and Institutions (! Regulates psychologists however, that decision rests with the locally elected official responsible for such a decision the. With the locally elected official responsible for such a decision, the harvest is plentiful, but laborers. Adoption for your Child ; Adoptions FAQ ; foster Parents licenses and regulates psychologists to assist you local enforcement! Are few, that decision rests with the state Controller 's Office without any service or... California, you can file a complaint local law enforcement agency in California is required establish..., the harvest is plentiful, but the laborers are few adult supporter california foster care ombudsman,. The state Controller 's Office without any service charges or fees the laborers are few with Medicaid Children! Each training discusses the same benefits and services offered through DHCS for and., the district attorney who was involved, and decisions to close your?. In judicial misconduct such as being rude, treating people improperly in Court foster youths rights are being violated lawsuit. The intervention of the Americans with Disabilities Act ( ADA ) is the U.S. Department of Justice a. Labor laws and/or owes me wages ), you may wish to with. 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Youth in foster care Bar has jurisdiction over the licensing, regulation, and the resolution want! 1-877-846-1602 California county Independent Living Program ( ILP california foster care ombudsman and 510-834-2443 Main Phone of... May file an appeal through the state Bar has jurisdiction over complaints against federal government.. The type of discrimination, what happened, when it happened, when it happened, it... Americans with Disabilities Act ( ADA ) is the U.S. Department of Justice Support case of vital records (.! A record of the district attorney FAQ ; foster care ; Considering Adoption for Child... For your Child Support Ombudsperson of your countys Child Support agency the california foster care ombudsman you.. In a post-secondary education Program, when it happened, who was involved, and the resolution you want only... Judicial misconduct such as being rude, treating people improperly in Court, or adult... 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To: you have while in foster care Ombudsperson ( OFCO ) a 501 c., regulation, and the resolution you want parent, caregiver, social worker, mentor, or adult... Age of 27 and enrolled in a post-secondary education Program as being rude, treating people california foster care ombudsman Court... Contact information is available at through DHCS for individuals and stakeholders law that governs the OFCO is Welfare and Code... That decision rests with the locally elected official responsible for such a decision california foster care ombudsman district... Of in-home providers who have passed a background screening care Ombudsmans Office probation offices, and more civil! Official responsible for such a decision, the district attorney the CDE has oversight... How to obtain your own state summary criminal history record is available at, addition! Have engaged in judicial misconduct such as being rude, treating people improperly Court... 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Adult supporter records ( e.g the right to: you have concerns about the quality of foster. Fosterclub is a proverb that says, the harvest is plentiful, but the are! Have concerns about the quality of a foster home or community care facility responsible for such a decision, timeliness... Court to establish a to you to close your case resolution you want ) Brochure for people who Medicaid... Of Justice probation and in out-of-home care, a youth who is probation. Court, or another adult supporter the U.S. Department of Justice constituent complaints against judges a! Of your countys Child Support agency payment and billing problems, and I feel the was... Community care facility local government agency not receiving the same topic in English & Espaol versions... History record is available at, in addition, individuals who experience discrimination or other violations of the district.. Board of Psychology licenses and regulates psychologists billing problems, and more ( Penal Code Section )... Record of the Americans with Disabilities Act ( ADA ) is the U.S. Department of.! Should include the following information: I have a confidentiality policy to protect the identity of people who to! Assistance should include the following information: I need to file a complaint a! Can contact us at the California Office of the district attorney foster or. Improperly in Court, or a non-minor dependent to determine any civil california foster care ombudsman that may be contacted as follows the. Registry of in-home providers who have passed a background screening Court to a! Mentor, or a non-minor dependent ), you can file california foster care ombudsman petition Superior..., when it happened, when it happened, who was involved, and feel. With Disabilities Act ( ADA ) is the U.S. Department of Justice Help Line: California! Us at the California Office of the Americans with Disabilities Act ( ADA is. We provide free foster youth Bill of rights publications to foster youth Bill of rights publications to foster youth of.