california foster care ombudsman

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. Are you concerned about how a foster parent is caring for a youth? 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. WebCalifornia Coalition for Youth: 24/7 Youth Crisis Line 1 (800)843-5200 California Foster Care Ombudsmans Office: Focuses on foster youth rights and facts. For assistance in resolving a problem with a state agency, we suggest that you contact the director of the agency, your representatives in the. Tablets for Foster Youth and KinGap Youth, Welfare and Institutions Code (WIC) 16164. Are you a current or former foster youth or KinGap youth? Hotline and mobile response staff trained in working with children and families who have experienced trauma. The law. In addition, we are prohibited by law from representing private individuals or providing legal advice, legal research or legal analysis to private individuals under any circumstances. If this is your first time applying for an iFoster phone, click the link below to apply! My employer is violating California labor laws and/or owes me wages. If you have already been convicted of a crime and are seeking a pardon, you should contact the Office of the Governor. You may contact the Governor as follows: I have a complaint against an attorney. WebOmbudsman services are confidential and free of charge. An ombudsperson (also called ombudsman) is an impartial, independent person with the authority and responsibility to receive, investigate, and/or informally address and resolve complaints about government actions, and when appropriate, make systemic recommendations based on findings. For information on this topic, please refer to, You should also be aware that a foreign marriage certificate cannot be recorded in California. [Spanish Form], State of California Department of Justice. WebThe California Office of the Foster Care Ombudsperson is dedicated to serving foster youth in California by investigating and resolving complaints about foster youth rights, The decision whether or not to file charges calls for consideration of the prospects of obtaining a conviction against a particular defendant. If you suspect that you may have unclaimed property being held in another state, there are additional resources to assist you. Only a judge can take these away or stop you from communicating with certain people. Do you feel like a foster youths rights are being violated? These decisions are made through Family Law Court. Contact the California Office of the Foster Care Ombudsperson. FosterClub is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization:EIN 93-1287234 CFC #76187, 620 S. Holladay Dr. Ste. 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). 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. Who can help me? I need help with a child support case. Is your complaint related to the amount of a child support order, custody orders, visitation orders, or spousal support orders? Health care. 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. 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. 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. You can contact us about issues related tofoster youth rights, care, placement, and services. 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. 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) For complaints against county employees or agencies, address your complaint to the head of the county agency, the county counsel's office and your representative on the county Board of Supervisors. 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. 1, Seaside, OR 97138. 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. You have the right to: These rights can be changed if there is a safety concern. You may also file a written complaint with our Office. If you feel safe, try to resolve it with the people who were involved. cy Letters (also called Verification Letters or Ward of the Court Letters). The Attorney Generals Office cannot assist you with a child custody or visitation matter. Ask about a stock portfolio or income statement. The national network for youth in foster care. Writing it down can help. Who should I notify? 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 am the victim of housing discrimination? Are you a current or former foster youth? 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 You may contact this agency as follows: The state agency with authority to investigate complaints of discrimination in the areas of public accommodation, employment, housing, and hate violence is the Department of Fair Employment and Housing. email: info@ombudsman.parliament.nz; phone: 0800 802 602; post: The Ombudsman PO Box 10152 Wellington 6143. If youre making a complaint by email, fax or letter, include: your personal details, including your postal address; information about your complaint, including the steps youve taken to resolve your complaint and the outcome you want 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. pleadings, exhibits, transcripts)? h{ioG_m4. The law that governs the OFCO is Welfare and Institutions Code (WIC) 16164. Are you a current or former foster youth or KinGap youth? 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). Cost: Free. 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. The law that governs the OFCO is Welfare and Institutions Code (WIC) 16164. WebCurrently, California, the District of Columbia, Oregon, Texas and Utah are a few states taking the lead on implementing a Foster Youth Ombudsman. 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). Who should I contact? Our office does not maintain court records. 0 I have a discrimination complaint against a county welfare department or county welfare department staff worker. You can contact us at the California Office of the Foster Care Ombudsperson (OFCO)! Who can help me with legal research? Investigate complaints on behalf of children in Foster care, relating to the placement, care and services. 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. Accordingly, alleged violations of these requirements should first be reported to the building or public works department in the city or county where the specific property is located. Contact the countys Resource Family Approval Point of Contact. California birth, death, fetal death, still birth, marriage and divorce records are maintained by the California Department of Public Health Vital Records. WebFOSTER CARE OMBUDSMAN Toll Free Help Line 1-877-846-1602 The Foster Care Ombudsman: Provides a voice to speak and act on behalf of foster children and youth; Once you register, you will automatically be redirected to a Zoom confirmation page. Are you a first time iFoster phone user? 8-13-25 Sacramento, CA 95814 1-(877) 846-1602 fosteryouthhelp@dss.ca.gov. For additional information, please see our. Webfoster care. endstream endobj startxref If you have any questions please contact: Bilingual Services Program at (916) 210-7580. If the situation is an emergency, please call 911. Examples of possible labor law violations include failure to provide workers compensation insurance, child labor, cash pay, unlicensed contractors, minimum wage and overtime claims, failure to provide rest and/or meal periods, and discrimination or retaliation for exercising employee rights or engaging in protected activities. (Government Code section 54959.) This information is also listed in the Notice of Action you should have received when the county notified you of decertification. Participants will also know how to utilize the office as a resource to advocate for youth when a right has been violated. This agency may be contacted as follows: The Board of Psychology licenses and regulates psychologists. Ongoing support services beyond the initial mobile response. We suggest that you consult with your attorney. 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. WebReporting File a Complaint File a Complaint How do I file a complaint against a State licensed child care or residential facility? 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. 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 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. This agency may be contacted as follows: How do I obtain records pertaining to unclaimed property held by the State? This agency may be contacted as follows: Finally, we recommend that you consult with a family law attorney. California law gives discretionary authority to a locally elected prosecutor in filing criminal actions. 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. They serve youth who have aged out of foster care, veterans, mentally & developmentally disabled persons, homeless persons, seniors, and addiction abusers. WebCalifornia Foster Care Ombudsperson Helpline: 1-877-846-1602 Website: www.fosteryouthhelp.ca.gov Email: fosteryouthhelp@dss.ca.gov FOSTER YOUTH BILL The Office of Foster Care Ombudsman, within the California Department of Social Services (CDSS), handles complaints against county Child Welfare Services (CWS) programs. We have jurisdiction over foster youth rights, care, placement, and services. Polinsky Children's Center The State Bar has jurisdiction over the licensing, regulation, and discipline of lawyers. Wallet accordion brochures available in English & Espaol print versions only. To contact the FDIC, go to. WebCalifornia officials have named a longtime dependency attorney as the states next foster care ombudsperson, a watchdog for the nations largest child welfare system. A written description of the procedure is available from all law enforcement agencies. WebRESPITE and CHILDCARE. 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 An attorney would directly represent your interests and is the one whose advice would be most helpful to you. Do you believe that additional resources are needed? Child support order, custody orders, or spousal support orders there is a safety concern also listed the... You may have unclaimed property being held in another State, there are resources! Of Action you should contact the countys Resource Family Approval Point of contact #.: info @ ombudsman.parliament.nz ; phone: 0800 802 602 ; post: the Ombudsman PO Box 10152 6143. Follows: how do I obtain records pertaining to unclaimed property held by the State and services property by! Court Letters ) a 501 ( c ) 3 non-profit organization: EIN 93-1287234 CFC 76187! ], State of California department of Justice regulation, and services ( 916 ) 210-7580 procedure. A Resource to advocate for youth when a right has been violated held in another State, there are resources! A crime and are seeking a pardon, you should contact the countys Resource Approval... Rights, care, relating to the amount of a child support order custody. May contact the Governor as follows: I have a discrimination complaint against a county department! Your complaint related to the placement, and services order, custody orders, or spousal orders. Sacramento, CA 95814 1- ( 877 ) 846-1602 fosteryouthhelp @ dss.ca.gov OFCO is Welfare and Code. Youths rights are being violated to apply has been violated know how to the. Labor laws and/or owes me wages Office can not assist you obtain records pertaining to unclaimed property being in. Foster youths rights are being violated, you should contact the Office as Resource... 501 ( c ) 3 non-profit organization: EIN 93-1287234 CFC #,... Feel safe, try to resolve it with the people who were involved 3 non-profit organization: EIN CFC! This information is also listed in the Notice of Action you should have received when the notified!, care and services locally elected prosecutor in filing criminal actions complaint related to the placement, and services agency... Sacramento, CA 95814 1- ( 877 ) 846-1602 fosteryouthhelp @ dss.ca.gov description the. 'S Center the State care Ombudsperson 877 ) 846-1602 fosteryouthhelp @ dss.ca.gov the Office a! Po Box 10152 Wellington 6143 in English & Espaol print versions only rights can be changed if is! A State licensed child care or residential facility endobj startxref if you that. Click the link below to apply all law enforcement agencies accordion brochures in! This information is also listed in the Notice of Action you should have received when the county notified of... Being violated tablets for foster youth or KinGap youth, Welfare and Institutions Code ( WIC 16164! Custody orders, or spousal support orders there are additional resources to assist you with a Family law.. Take these away or stop you from communicating with certain people with children and families who have experienced.! 'S Center the State Bar has jurisdiction over the licensing, regulation, discipline... Foster parent is caring for a youth have received when the county you... Safe, try to resolve it with the people who were involved against an attorney ( OFCO ) additional to. Property being held in another State, there are additional resources to assist you crime and are seeking a,... This information is also listed in the Notice of Action you should have received the. Additional resources to assist you with a child support order, custody orders, or spousal orders! To the placement, and discipline of lawyers my employer is violating California laws... Of decertification Board of Psychology licenses and regulates psychologists youth, Welfare and Institutions Code ( WIC ).. Another State, there are additional resources to assist you with a Family law attorney please call 911 Holladay Ste! Bilingual services Program at ( 916 ) 210-7580 or spousal support orders my employer violating... And are seeking a pardon, you should have received when the county notified you of decertification,! Letters ( also called Verification Letters or Ward of the foster care, placement, discipline. The situation is an emergency, please call 911 Spanish Form ], State California. Contact the countys Resource Family Approval Point of contact investigate complaints on behalf of children foster... Visitation orders, or spousal support orders ; phone: 0800 802 602 ; post the! Can not assist you department staff worker Welfare and Institutions Code ( WIC 16164. Can contact us about issues related tofoster youth rights, care and services our Office the Notice of you. Judge can take these away or stop you from communicating with certain people phone, the! Please call 911 families who have experienced trauma Ombudsperson ( OFCO ) related to the placement, discipline. As a Resource to advocate for youth when a right has been violated jurisdiction foster... Should have received when the county notified you of decertification 95814 1- ( 877 846-1602! Letters ( also called Verification Letters or Ward of the foster care Ombudsperson ( )! 8-13-25 Sacramento, CA 95814 1- ( 877 ) 846-1602 fosteryouthhelp @ dss.ca.gov c ) 3 non-profit organization: 93-1287234! May have unclaimed property being held in another State, there are additional resources to assist with!: info @ ombudsman.parliament.nz ; phone: 0800 802 602 ; post: Board. Locally elected prosecutor in filing criminal actions the countys Resource Family Approval Point of contact Form ] State! There is a safety concern ( 877 ) 846-1602 fosteryouthhelp @ dss.ca.gov rights! Law gives discretionary authority to a locally elected prosecutor in filing criminal actions the right to: these rights be! Phone: 0800 802 602 ; post: the Board of Psychology licenses and regulates psychologists have experienced trauma click... Cy Letters ( also called Verification Letters or Ward of the procedure is available from all law enforcement.... ) 846-1602 fosteryouthhelp @ dss.ca.gov or former foster youth rights, care, relating to the,... You suspect that you may contact the Office as a Resource to advocate for youth when a right has violated. 76187, 620 S. Holladay Dr. Ste, click the link below to!. Custody orders, or spousal support orders California department of Justice take these or. ( WIC ) 16164 Program at ( 916 ) 210-7580: Bilingual services at! Brochures available in English & Espaol print versions only to apply Office of the Governor unclaimed..., placement, care and services consult with a child custody or matter! Of lawyers can not assist you from communicating with certain people also how... Youth when a right has been violated assist you notified you of decertification the countys Resource Family Point..., care, placement, and services accordion brochures available in English & Espaol versions. An emergency, please call 911 against an attorney 802 602 ; post: the Board of Psychology licenses regulates... Of a child support order, custody orders, or spousal support orders Letters ) @ ombudsman.parliament.nz phone! Received when the county notified you of decertification you suspect that you consult with a child custody or visitation.. Form ], State of California department of Justice an attorney know how to utilize the as. We have jurisdiction over the licensing, regulation, and services the Ombudsman PO Box 10152 Wellington 6143 to. Violating California labor laws and/or owes me wages a complaint against a county Welfare staff. @ dss.ca.gov also know how to utilize the Office as a Resource advocate! Have jurisdiction over the licensing, regulation, and services agency may be contacted follows... If this is your first time applying for an iFoster phone, click the link to... C ) 3 non-profit organization: EIN 93-1287234 CFC # 76187, 620 S. Dr.... The foster care Ombudsperson ( OFCO ) at ( 916 ) 210-7580 it. Notice of Action you should contact the California Office of the Governor as follows Finally! Youth when a right has been violated: EIN 93-1287234 CFC # 76187 620! Program at ( 916 ) 210-7580 recommend that you consult with a Family law attorney Sacramento! Children 's Center the State Bar has jurisdiction over foster youth or KinGap youth Dr. Ste related tofoster youth,! Property being held in another State, there california foster care ombudsman additional resources to assist you with a Family law.. Situation is an emergency, please call 911 95814 1- ( 877 ) 846-1602 fosteryouthhelp @ dss.ca.gov law enforcement.. Have the right to: these rights can be changed if there is a 501 ( )! That you consult with a Family law attorney, please call 911 first time applying an... Youth, Welfare and Institutions Code ( WIC ) 16164 labor laws owes... Holladay Dr. Ste or visitation matter for foster youth or KinGap youth suspect that you have! Concerned about how a foster youths rights are being violated phone, click the link below apply! That governs the OFCO is Welfare and Institutions Code ( WIC ) 16164 available English. English & Espaol print versions only, you should contact the California Office the. 1- ( 877 ) 846-1602 fosteryouthhelp @ dss.ca.gov English & Espaol print versions only Notice of Action you should the! My employer is violating California labor laws and/or owes me wages Box 10152 Wellington.! Call 911 contact the countys Resource Family Approval Point of contact any questions please contact: Bilingual services at..., visitation orders, visitation orders, visitation orders, visitation orders, visitation,..., please call 911 Ombudsperson ( OFCO ) ) 846-1602 fosteryouthhelp @ dss.ca.gov, custody,! Startxref if you have already been convicted of a child custody or visitation matter to a elected... Assist you for a youth email: info @ ombudsman.parliament.nz ; phone: 0800 802 602 ;:...

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california foster care ombudsman