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Committee backs amendments letting child‑protection ombudsman accept parental complaints and post rights information
Summary
The committee advanced amendments that explicitly allow the child-protection ombudsman to receive complaints about DCFS actions involving parents, require posting of parent/child rights online and add an annual report requirement; DHHS testified it can implement changes without a fiscal note.
Representative Karianne Lisonbee presented amendments to the child protection ombudsman statute intended to clarify parental access to the ombudsman and improve public information and reporting. The draft explicitly states parents may seek help from the ombudsman, requires posting of statutory parent and child rights on the DHHS website, requires an annual report to the legislature, and mandates that peace officers and caseworkers inform parents about the ombudsman when a child is taken into protective custody.
Donovan Bergstrom, director of the Division of Customer Experience at DHHS, described the office's operational approach: cases and calls are screened for jurisdiction; staff work with DCFS to resolve complaints, escalate to case reviews, and investigate where appropriate. Bergstrom said the office already provides many of the services described and does not anticipate a fiscal note; the division will leverage cross‑training and existing assistant ombuds staff.
Outcome: The committee voted to favorably recommend the ombudsman amendments as a committee bill.
Next steps: Sponsors will finalize the statutory text; DHHS will implement website materials and intake procedures as required by the amendments.
