What is an Ombudsman?
An Ombudsman is a protector or defender of citizen’s rights.
How can I file a complaint with the Office of the Ombudsman?
For
the quickest response please contact our office by phone or e-mail. You
may also submit a complaint in writing. Simply download the complaint form, complete and mail to:
DHHS, Ombudsman Program
7001 A East Parkway
Sacramento, CA 95823
Telephone: (916) 875-2000
Fax: (916) 875-1283
E-mail: deanev@saccounty.net
What should I do before I call the Office of the Ombudsman?
• 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 Ombudsman:
1. Your Social Worker or Case Manager
2. His/Her Supervisor
3. His/Her Program Manager
• If you don’t get satisfaction, then contact the Ombudsman’s office.
We are just a phone call away.
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.
What does the Ombudsman do?
• Conducts independent reviews of complaints concerning Agency policies
or practices.
• Ensure that policies and practices are consistent with DHHS goals and
missions.
• Ensures that individuals are treated fairly, respectfully and with dignity.
• Makes referrals and recommendations when appropriate.
Is there anything the Office of the Ombudsman cannot do?
• 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 Ombudsman’s office?
Anyone
can call: children, parents, grandparents, relatives, foster parents,
attorneys, physicians, therapists, social workers, teachers, related
agencies, or community organizations, etc.
What if I disagree with the Ombudsman’s findings?
The
Ombudsman’s findings concludes departmental actions. Disagreements with
the Ombudsman's report of findings should be directed to:
State Department of Social Services
744 P St. M/S 19-90
Sacramento, CA 95814
How to File a Complaint with the State
State and federal regulations allow for you to file a civil rights
complaint directly with the DHHS Civil Rights Coordinator at (916)
875-2000 if you believe that you were treated inappropriately or
differently solely because of your:
• Race
• Color
• National origin
• Religion
• Political affiliation
• Marital status
• Gender
• Age
• Domestic partnership
• Sexual orientation
• Ethnic group identification
• Disability
