MI HB5039

Requires mandatory training for ombudsman office personnel on domestic violence and handling child abuse or neglect complaints involving domestic violence history, conducted by the Michigan domestic violence prevention and treatment board.

Expands ombudsman authority to investigate complaints from individuals not meeting the formal "complainant" definition, though such individuals receive limited information access compared to formal complainants.

Mandates ombudsman notification to the department of any immediate safety concerns regarding children in active child protective services or foster care cases within one business day of becoming aware of the concerns.

Requires ombudsman to investigate all child fatality cases involving suspected abuse or neglect in specific situations, including deaths during active investigations, in foster care, or within 24 months of case closure, with investigations to be completed within 12 months.

Authorizes ombudsman to provide child fatality investigation recommendations directly to courts, medical professionals, and legal professionals without restriction, and mandates inclusion of systemic improvement recommendations in annual reports.