Office of the Family and Children's Ombudsman
The Family and Children's Ombudsman investigates complaints in Washington state about agency actions or inaction that involve:
- Any child at risk of abuse, neglect, or other harm.
- A child or parent involved with child protection or child welfare services.
We intervene in cases in which we have determined that an agency's action or inaction is unauthorized or unreasonable. In addition to addressing complaints, we work to identify system-wide issues and recommend appropriate changes in public reports to the Governor, the Legislature and agency officials.
What's New
- 2SSB 6206: Analysis of Child Abuse and Neglect Referrals to Child Protective Services
- Children’s Administration’s response to Colville Report - 6/29/2009
- Children’s Administration’s response to Colville Report and Implementation plan - 6/29/2009
- Colville Investigation May 2009
- 2007 and 2008 Annual Report
- Group Home Report - 2007 Outreach and Survey Results
OFCO in the News
Report critical of Colville CPS - Sophia Aldous
The Statesman Examiner | June 17, 2009
Newly signed bills boost foster parent rights - Adam Wilson
The Olympian | May 15, 2009
New DSHS chief is inheriting Colville debacle
The Olympian | May 14, 2009
Child Welfare System in Colville Faces Criticism
Northwest Public Radio | May 11, 2009
Our View: Is it just Colville with child welfare office problems?
The Spokesman Review | May 10, 2009
Reports fault Colville child services - Kevin Graman
The Spokesman Review | May 7, 2009
Ombudsman office cites crisis of confidence in CPS - Adam Wilson
The Olympian | May 6, 2009
Report critical of Colville DSHS office - Associated Press
The Chronicle | May 6, 2009
Report says DSHS complaints hit 'all-time high' - Rebecca Nappi
The Spokesman Review | January 23, 2009
Investigators: Report says state unfairly picks foster care over family - Susannah Frame
King 5 | January 15, 2009
Investigators: Grandparents passed over in favor of foster care - Susannah Frame
King 5 | December 11, 2008
Kids give foster care solid marks - Kevin Graman
The Spokesman Review | September 5, 2008
This is just the tip of the iceberg - Sophia Aldous
The Statesman Examiner | August 13, 2008
Colville's child services under investigation - John Langeler
KXLY | August 11, 2008
State investigates child welfare office - Alison Boggs
The Spokesman Review | August 10, 2008
Foster-care system still struggling - Maureen O'Hagan
Seattle Times | August 10, 2008