SF4209 Bill Summary

• Establishes the Office of the Foster Youth Ombudsperson as an independent agency within state government, with the ombudsperson serving at the pleasure of the governor in the unclassified service and authorized to investigate decisions and actions affecting youth in foster care.

• Creates a Board of the Foster Youth Ombudsperson consisting of 15 members including current and former foster youth, adults formerly in foster care, an attorney, guardian ad litem, social worker, and nonprofit professionals to provide recommendations and oversight.

• Grants the ombudsperson broad investigative powers including authority to establish complaint processes, subpoena witnesses, access confidential juvenile court and medical data, examine physical placements, and make recommendations to agencies and the governor.

• Prohibits facilities and family foster homes from punishing youth or altering placement conditions for making complaints to the ombudsperson, and requires immediate forwarding of unopened mail between youth and the office.

• Appropriates $775,000 for fiscal year 2023, with a base appropriation of $726,000 for each of fiscal years 2024 and 2025 to establish and operate the office and board.