GATHER. LEARN. COLLABORATE.
____ Hosted by the Court Improvement Program of the Louisiana Supreme Court ____
The Work of the Louisiana Child Ombudsman
Thursday, March 20 | 12:00pm-1:00pm
Approved 1 HOUR CEU - Presumptive Approval CLE 1 HOUR
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In 2023, the Louisiana Legislature created the Office of Child Ombudsman within the Louisiana Legislative Auditor’s Office. The definition of an “ombudsman” is a person who investigates, reports on, and helps settle complaints.
The Louisiana Child Ombudsman acts as an independent ombudsman monitoring and evaluating the public and private agencies involved in the protection of children and delivery of services to children; reviews state policies and procedures to ensure they protect children’s rights and promote their best interest; and safeguards the welfare of children through educational advocacy, system reform, public awareness, and training.
Anyone who has concerns regarding Louisiana’s child services programs in state agencies can contact the Ombudsman. These state agencies include the Department of Children & Family Services, Office of Juvenile Justice, Department of Education, and Louisiana Department of Health.
Kathleen Stewart Richey is the state’s first Child Ombudsman. She will explain the requirements of the legislation and its application. She will also provide information about the first published report since the creation of the position.
Speaker:
Kathleeen Stewart Richey, J.D., State of Louisiana Child Ombudsman, Louisiana Legislative Auditor’s Office
Agenda:
12-12:20pm Overview of the Law
12:20-12:30pm Plans for Implementation
12:30-12:45pm Findings
12:45-1:00pm Questions and Discussion
Objectives:
This training is free and is designed for all judges, private adoption attorneys, adoption agencies, clerks of court, foster parents, social workers, educators, faith-based leaders and child welfare stakeholders.
