Children's Behavioral Health Ombudsman
Florida Department of Children and Families
The single state authority on mental health and substance use disorder, and responsible for the oversight of a statewide system of care for the prevention, treatment, and recovery of children and adults through a community-based provider network.
Children's Behavioral Health Ombudsman
Serves as a trusted advocate and point of contact for children and families navigating the behavioral health system. Their role is to support, inform, and guide those experiencing challenges related to mental health and substance use services with the goal of improving access, accountability, and outcomes across Florida’s behavioral health network. The Ombudsman plays a vital role in ensuring that Florida’s behavioral health system remains person-centered, responsive, and effective.
Advocate for individuals and families navigating the behavioral health system by ensuring access to services, resolving concerns, and promoting accountability and quality in mental health and substance use care.
Listen to concerns from individuals who receive publicly funded behavioral health services.
Help resolve complaints and barriers to treatment and support.
Connect individuals to appropriate care or resources.
Prompt responsiveness within behavioral health systems.
Identify systemic issues and recommend improvements in service delivery.
The Office of Children's Behavioral Health Ombudsman serves as a central point for receiving concerns on behalf of children and adolescents with behavioral health disorders who are receiving services.
The Office uses this information to help improve the mental health treatment and support system for children and adolescents.
The Office gathers complaints from the public through various channels, including:
DCF Inquiry
Other Questions or Concerns?
Contact
The Department of Children and
Families Behavioral Health Ombudsman
Call: