Idaho would create an oversight state agency to hear complaints about child services in foster homes, residential treatment facilities, and custodial supervision.
Signed by Idaho Governor Brad Little Senate Bill 1380 It will become law on Monday. This bill would create a new Office of the Health and Human Services Ombudsman, an autonomous agency independent of the Idaho Department of Health and Human Services and the Idaho Legislature.
Little wrote in a letter to lawmakers.the agency said it would “further increase public confidence and help identify productive and innovative ideas that can help the state of Idaho better support children and those who play important roles in foster care and child protection.” ” he said he believed.
Under the bill, a child receiving services, or their biological or legal representative, could file a complaint with the new ombudsman. The Ombudsman receives complaints about actions of services and institutions that violate state regulations, laws, and policies, as well as services that are imposed without proper cause or are based on irrelevant, unimportant, or false grounds.
Investigators in Idaho repeatedly found children in danger. Treatment programs faced few consequences.
InvestigateWest's reporting recently revealed the following allegations: Child abuse and neglect At a state-licensed facility in Idaho.This year too, Congress ordered InvestigateWest reports on an investigation into the oversight of youth treatment facilities in Idaho.
The law creating the Office of the Ombudsman will take effect July 1, the first day of the state's new fiscal year.
Suggests Congress consider expanding the agency's role to other government oversight, including whether public officials are complying with laws governing ethics, public records and public meetings. Very few people did.
“Legal disputes arise when one government agency attempts to investigate another government agency for advice. Such disputes are counterproductive and costly to Idaho taxpayers. has been proven to be costly,” Little wrote. “I believe that public trust in state government is best maintained when the roles of general counsel and inspector general are shared by two different branches of state government.”
Little also urged the Legislature to consider changing state law to allow the ombudsman agency to have legal representation from outside the Idaho Attorney General's Office, which represents state agencies such as the Idaho Legislature and the Idaho Department of Health and Human Services. I asked for it.
“Dual representation by the same law firm conflicts with the legislative mandate for independence and undermines the Ombudsman's authority to “take all necessary steps, including litigation, to protect the welfare and rights of children.'' ” Little wrote.
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