HB377 Summary

• Establishes the Office of the Ombudsman for Child Welfare, located within the Department of Early Childhood Education for administrative purposes, with a director who must be a licensed attorney with knowledge of child welfare and juvenile justice systems.

• Ombudsman Selection Committee comprised of the Chair of the Department of Human Resources Task Force, Speaker of the House, President of the Senate, and chairs of relevant Senate and House committees shall appoint the director within 60 days of the effective date.

• Ombudsman shall conduct independent investigations of complaints concerning Department of Human Resources actions or inactions that adversely affect child health, safety, welfare, or family reunification, and may refer matters to appropriate agencies or law enforcement.

• Creates a State Advisory Committee with representatives from the Alabama State Bar Association, medical associations, psychological association, district attorneys, sheriffs, juvenile court judges, social workers, and appointed members including parents or persons formerly involved in child welfare system.

• Prohibits discrimination or retaliation against children, parents, guardians, employees, or other persons for filing complaints or providing information to the ombudsman, and grants the ombudsman judicial immunity from civil and criminal liabilities.