Ombudsman

Ombudsman
(850) 717-4199 Option 4
@email

What the Children’s Ombudsman Can Do

• Listen and be a voice for children and youth
• Take complaints about placement, care, or services from youth without youth fearing retribution for the complaints
• Serve as a resource to identify and explain relevant policies or procedures

What the Children’s Ombudsman Cannot Do

• Respond to emergencies or investigate allegations of abuse or neglect
• Investigate, challenge, or overturn court-ordered decisions or provide legal advice
• Investigate complaints about a Guardian ad Litem

You have the right to be able to contact your case manager or the Florida Children’s Ombudsman regarding violations of rights, to speak to the ombudsman confidentially, and to be free from threats or punishment for making complaints.

If you’re a youth or young adult in Florida’s child welfare system, we know that you’ve likely been through a lot. Because of this, we want to make sure that you’re in a place –physically, emotionally, and spiritually–where you can recover, grow, and feel the love that you deserve. If for any reason you aren’t in that place, please contact your case manager or the Children’s Ombudsman.

The Children’s Ombudsman will protect the confidentiality of your identity to the extent allowed under the law. Additionally, the Children’s Ombudsman will let you know that your identity may be revealed by the Ombudsman if deemed necessary to make sure you’re safe.

Office of Continuing Care
(850) 300-HOPE (4673)

The Office of Continuing Care (OCC), part of Hope Florida - A Pathway to Prosperity, offers free one-on-one help for young people who are about to or have recently transitioned out of foster care, aiming to make the leap into adulthood a positive experience.

The OCC provides the following services:

• Connects you to existing resources in your area to help you thrive as an independent young adult
• Guides you in accessing special services available to former foster youth
• Gives you a support system to help you with the next steps on your path to adulthood