SB 16-013 Clean-up Office of the Child Protection Ombudsman

Senator Newell/Representative Singer

Co-sponsors: Senators Kefalas and Lundberg

Background:
As we moved the Office of the Child Protection Ombudsman to the Judicial Branch last
session, the office became an independent office with an advisory board. SB16-013 is a
clean-up of the 2015 legislation.

What will SB 16-013 do?

1)
Updates the audit requirements of the Office to be aligned
with other agencies/offices, since the Office has already had their originally
required audit in the third year of operations.
2)
Clarifies the intent of the 2015 Child Protection Ombudsman
legislation with the roles of the Ombudsman, Office, and Board.

Duties of the Board:

Hiring/firing of Ombudsman
Develop a public feedback and complaint process related to the
Ombudsman
Oversee and advise the Ombudsman on the strategic direction of
the office and its mission
Help promote the use, engagement, and access to the office
With the Ombudsman oversight of the general operating budget

Added duties of Ombudsman:

Signature for the office on the MOUs with CDHS and Judicial
Quarterly updates to the Board

Supporters
(As of 2.17.16)