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Foster care ombudsman outlines Bill of Rights, access to data and limits on authority
Summary
Alexis Amarelli, Oregon's foster care ombudsman, described the Foster Children's Bill of Rights and Sibling Bill of Rights, said her office handled 299 investigations in 2024, and explained the office’s independence and limits — including no subpoena power and that investigative findings and recommendations are not public record.
Alexis Amarelli, Oregon’s foster care ombudsman, briefed the Senate Committee on Human Services on Jan. 21 about the office’s role, the Foster Children's Bill of Rights and the Sibling Bill of Rights, and the office’s authorities and limits.
Amarelli, a person with lived experience in the foster-care system, said the foster-care ombudsman position was created through the Foster Children's Bill of Rights and is housed in the Governor’s Advocacy Office within the Oregon Department of Human Services. She described independence from program branches as a central feature of the ombudsman role: ‘‘It is imperative that the work of an ombudsman is fundamentally based in independence, free from all outside influences,’’ she said.
Amarelli said the office operates a 24/7 youth empowerment and safety phone line, can receive and investigate complaints, and has access to confidential child welfare data — which she described as an important tool for independent investigations. She told the committee the office investigated 299 foster-care cases in 2024; the office also produces public statistical reports and maintains an advisory committee that meets quarterly.
But Amarelli said the foster care ombudsman does not have subpoena power and that formal findings and recommendations she writes to DHS or the governor are not public records at this time. When asked whether the ombudsman can take positions publicly or speak to media, Amarelli said she cannot take public positions on legislation or speak publicly in a way similar to the long-term care ombudsman. She said she can escalate urgent matters to DHS leadership or the governor’s office when necessary.
During questioning, Chief Operating Officer Seth Lyon clarified that the statutory office called the children’s advocate was transferred into the Governor’s Advocacy Office in 2003 and that the GAO now delivers the children’s-advocate functions within its broader work. He said the committee staff would follow up with requested budget and staffing breakdowns for the children’s advocate funding stream.
Committee members asked whether elected officials and staff could contact the foster care ombudsman directly; Lyon said he would follow up with details. Chair Gelserbluin and members praised Amarelli’s work and noted the ombudsman’s independence and 24/7 access for youth as key features.
