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DHHS Ombudsman |
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What is an Ombudsman?
“Ombudsman” is a Swedish term of long and honorable tradition. It means protector or defender of citizen’s rights.
What does the Ombudsman do?The Ombudsperson provides the following services:
- Conducts independent reviews of complaints concerning Agency policies or practices.
- Ensure that policies and practices are consistent with the goals and missions of the Department of Health & Human Services.
- Ensures that individuals are treated fairly, respectfully and with dignity.
- Makes referrals and recommendations when appropriate.
How can the Office of the Ombudsman help you?
- We will provide information, answer questions and/or identify staff or resources to address your issues.
- We will research Agency policies and procedures that may assist you in resolving your complaint.
- We will assure that matters are treated in a confidential manner as appropriate.
- We will facilitate prompt resolutions of complaints in an independent, impartial, objective and professional manner.
Is there anything the Office of the Ombudsman cannot do?There are certain areas that are not within our jurisdiction:
- We do not have the authority to overturn a court decision or make recommendations to the court.
- We cannot investigate matters when appeals or lawsuits are pending against the County.
- Personnel and disciplinary matters are referred to an Agency manager for the appropriate action.
- We are unable to give legal advice.
- We cannot ensure implementation of any recommendation made following our investigation.
Who can call the office?Anyone can call: children, parents, grandparents, relatives, foster parents, attorneys, physicians, therapists, social workers, teachers, related agencies, or community organizations, etc.
What should I do before I call the Ombudsman?Please consider these steps when dealing with the Department of Health & Human Services:
- Keep good records, take notes, and save all of your documents. Keep the names of the agency staff you have contacted.
- Contact the following people in the order listed prior to calling the Ombudsperson:
- Your Social Worker or Case Manager
- His/Her Supervisor
- His/Her Program Manager
- If you don’t get satisfaction, then contact the Ombudsperson’s office.
- We are just a phone call away.
How can I file a complaint with the Ombudsman office?Please submit your complaint in writing. To file a complaint, download, complete and mail in a copy of the Complaint Form. You may also submit a written complaint to the Ombudsman office at:
DHHS, Ombudsman Program
7001 A East Parkway
Sacramento, CA 95823
| | | | | | What if I disagree with the Ombudsman’s findings?
The Ombudsperson’s report of findings concludes departmental actions. Further disagreements should be directed to:
State Department of Social Services
744 Pst. M/S 19-90
Sacramento, CA 95814
For more information call the Office of the Ombudsman
(916) 875-2000
or email the Office of the Ombudsman If you believe that you were treated inappropriately or differently solely because of your race, color, national origin, religion, political affiliation, marital status, sex, age, or disability, state and federal regulations allow for you to file a civil rights complaint directly with the Civil Rights Coordinator for the Department of Health & Human Services at (916) 875-2000.
Phone: (916) 875-2000
Fax: (916) 875-1283 | | | | By: Sharon Saffold | | | | |  | | LINKS AND RESOURCES | |
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