Children’s Ombudsman Bill Briefing

Download Briefing <.doc>

The Problem:
Current law in the Commonwealth of Virginia does not have a direct provision to ensure that children’s needs are being met and their rights protected. No independent government office has been established to receive, investigate, or process complaints against agencies responsible for providing services to children in Virginia. As a result, concerned citizens and family members are often confused about what steps to take when they feel a child is being mistreated. The absence of clear guidelines for voicing concerns leaves many citizens feeling frustrated and helpless. More importantly, the children of Virginia pay the ultimate price because many in harms way go unnoticed.

Background:
27 states have established children ombudsman offices designed to protect the legal rights of children in State care. Virginia is NOT one of these states.

In a letter to the Richmond Times Dispatch, a youth incarcerated at the Beaumont Juvenile Correctional Center wrote that he was repeatedly punched in the head and face by an officer while being held down by four other officers. The child then declared he was scared for his life and begged the public for help.

The Solution: The Virginia Interfaith Center supports a children’s ombudsman bill, which will mandate the establishment of a children’s ombudsman office in the state of Virginia. The creation of an ombudsman office for children will ensure that all youth have someone to advocate on their behalf. This office will be responsible for receiving and investigating complaints against government agencies in an impartial manner. In addition, the office will have the power to issue public reports regarding findings and recommendations.

Children cannot protect themselves. Children are one of the most vulnerable populations within our society. Children have limited rights as minors and require the protection of adults who are looking out for their best interests. Virginia has a responsibility to all of its citizens to guarantee the protection of children. In a national report entitled Establishing Ombudsman Programs for Children and Youth, the American Bar Association Center on Children and the Law recommended that each State establish an ombudsman office for children.

Children’s ombudsman offices are effective! In modern times, the public sector ombudsman, where instituted, has been a successful and valuable guarantor of citizens’ rights. Establishing an official advocate for children can enhance planning, cultivate coordination, and encourage the best utilization of limited resources that will improve outcomes for children and families in the state system.

Citizens have the right to be informed regarding the performance of child welfare agencies. Public reports generated by a children’s ombudsman office will remedy this lack of information by notifying the public of potential hazards to children in Virginia.

More Background on Ombudsman

Center Priorities (.pdf)

Bulletin Inserts
Child Support (.pdf)
Environment (.pdf)
Housing Trust (.pdf)
Indigent Defense (.pdf)
Payday Lending (.pdf)
Minimum Wage (.pdf)

Advocacy Resources
Advocacy Guide (.doc)
Advocacy Portal (link)
Lending Info. (.ppt)
Richmond Map (.pdf)

For Small Groups
Eco-Stewardship (link)
Prayers for Creation (link)
Poverty Diet (link)

Policy Briefs
EITC (.doc)
TANF Child Support (.doc)
Payday Loans (.doc)
Healing Creation (.doc)
Child Ombudsman (.doc)
Affordable Housing (.doc)
Indigent Defense (.doc)
Minimum Wage (.doc)
Wage & EITC (.doc)
VA Tribes (.link)

Actions
Lending Petition (link)
Title Petition (link)
Wage Petition (link)

Reports
Budget Analysis (.pdf)
Food Stamps (.doc)
Lottery Study (link)

FAQ's (link)

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