TRANSFER OFFICE OF CHILDREN'S OMBUDSMAN

House Bill 6440

Sponsor:  Rep. David Law

Committee:  Family and Children Services

Complete to 9-12-06

A SUMMARY OF HOUSE BILL 6440 AS INTRODUCED 9-7-06

House Bill 6440 would amend the Children's Ombudsman Act to transfer the Children's Ombudsman Office to the Legislative Council, effective October 1, 2007. 

Currently under the law, the office is an autonomous entity in the Department of Management and Budget.  The Governor appoints an individual to serve as ombudsman, with the advice and consent of the Senate. 

The Office of the Children's Ombudsman works to recommend changes in policy and legislation; to educate the public; to investigate and review actions of the department (originally the Department of Social Services, then the Family Independence Agency, and now the Department of Human Services), child placing agencies, or child caring institutions; and also to monitor and ensure compliance with relevant statutes pertaining to children's protective services and the placement, supervision, treatment, and improved delivery of care for children who are in foster care and adoptive homes.  The Office of the Children's Ombudsman also receives and processes complaints, conducts investigations, holds informal hearings, and reports findings and recommendations that result from investigations. 

MCL 722.923

FISCAL IMPACT:

A fiscal analysis is in process.

                                                                                           Legislative Analyst:   J. Hunault/E. Best

                                                                                                  Fiscal Analyst:   Robin Risko

■ This analysis was prepared by nonpartisan House staff for use by House members in their deliberations, and does not constitute an official statement of legislative intent.