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If you suspect a child is being abused or neglected, please call the Child Abuse Hotline at 1-866-820-5437.

 

What We Do

The Office of the Child and Family Ombudsman (OCFO) responds to requests to protect the rights of children and families by improving case outcomes and strengthening Montana’s child welfare system.

About

What is the Office of the Child and Family Ombudsman?
The Ombudsman is an independent, impartial, and confidential resource to Montana citizens in the Office of the Child and Family Ombudsman.

The Child and Family Ombudsmen duties include:

  • reviewing requests involving Child and Family Services Division of the Department of Health and Human Services;
  • supporting best practices in working with children and families;
  • and providing education on how best to protect and serve Montana children and families.

Who can request assistance from the Ombudsman?

Any individual concerned about the interests or rights of a child in Montana may request assistance from the Ombudsman. Learn more about requesting assistance: HERE

What ways can the Ombudsman help me?

  • Resource & Referral: In many cases, the Ombudsman will help by finding the right person or service to address the request. The Ombudsman will connect individuals seeking help with contact information for the right service.
  • Conflict Resolution: Sometimes an individual feels their needs are not fully addressed. The Ombudsman may offer to mediate the concern with everyone involved.  This will look different from case to case.
  • Review & Report: In other cases, a request will come to the Ombudsman with larger concerns and a good deal of work already tried to resolve the issue.  If the Ombudsman determines that that request for assistance requires it, a review will occur. Find a request for assistance (HERE).

Contact OCFO

You can call the Ombudsman at 1-844-25CHILD (1-844-252-4453)

Fax the Ombudsman at (406) 444-2759

Email at  [email protected]

or mail the Ombudsman at PO Box 201417, Helena, MT 59620

To report a crime, please call 911

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