Child Welfare Service Ombudsman is a resource for families concerned about the State of Maine’s Department of Health and Human Services involvement with their children.
Ombudsman Principles
- To provide a safe and cooperative format to solve the problem
- To provide services in a caring, objective and impartial manner
- To foster a blame-free working situation
- To work in the best interest of the child
- To improve the system of service delivery and the way the Maine’s DHHS provides services to children and families
- To tell people about Ombudsman services and to continually work to improve those services
The Ombudsman will:
- Look at complaints and see if he/she can help.
- Get more information.
- Notify State of Maine’s DHHS of problems.
- Work with people to find out what is wrong and try to fix the problem.
- Provide services, as needed, to iron out difficulties.
The Ombudsman will also:
- Help families get the assistance and the support they need.
- Provide information and technical assistance to Maine’s DHHS caseworkers and managers.
- Make recommendations to improve the system.
- Answer questions about the role and duties of the Ombudsman.
Seek help from an Ombudsman when:
- You are concerned about what is happening between your children and the State of Maine’s DHHS.
- You think that DHHS is interfering with your rights as a parent.
- You disagree with the plan developed by a DHHS caseworker.