Trevor Sparrow outlines plans for Idaho Health and Social Services Ombudsman office; senators to vote tomorrow

Trevor Sparrow, the nominee to lead the newly created Idaho Health and Social Services Ombudsman office, told a Senate committee he intends to prioritize impartial investigations, data collection, and collaboration with citizen review panels.

Sparrow described his background as director of the Idaho Youth Challenge Academy and earlier experience as a probation and parole officer and a drug-and-alcohol counselor. He said, “At its core, the role of the ombudsman is about advocacy, accountability, and understanding,” and pledged to follow best practices from the United States Ombudsman Association.

Sparrow said he started in the role in December and has already been contacted by parents and advocacy groups. He said his office has identified a reporting system “that will help take complaints online as well as over the phone,” plans to hire a deputy ombudsman, and secured office space in the Border Building pending remodeling.

On working with citizen review panels, Sparrow said he expects panels to help identify regional problems and provide data to inform statewide recommendations. He noted an interest in examining regional drivers of child-welfare challenges, including incarceration rates among women, which he said vary by region and affect foster-care numbers.

Senators did not vote on Sparrow’s confirmation at the meeting; members said a confirmation vote will occur during the committee’s next meeting.