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 OCFO

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.
• 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

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.
• 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.