MIssion Statement
The Foster Care Ombudsman Division's mission is to provide independent, impartial review of West Virginia's child welfare system to promote accountability, transparency, and continuous improvement in the delivery of child welfare services.
What we do
The Foster Care Ombudsman serves as a neutral and confidential third party that investigates complaints related to the child welfare and juvenile justice systems. We work to resolve concerns by engaging directly with youth, families, caregivers, and professionals involved in these systems - always striving for fair and constructive resolutions.
We help foster children, as well as foster and kinship caregivers, understand their rights and support them in exercising those rights. Through education, outreach, and information sharing, we empower individuals to navigate the system more effectively.
We use data from complaints and inquiries to identify patterns, uncover systemic issues, and make informed recommendations for meaningful reform. In all we do, we maintain the confidentiality of those we serve and the sensitive information involved in each case.
As part of the Office of Inspector General, we are committed to promoting child welfare and juvenile justice systems that are supportive, responsive, and accountable - where voices are heard, people are empowered, and collaboration leads to lasting improvements.
What we do not do
While the Foster Care Ombudsman Division plays an important role in oversight and systemic improvement, there are specific limitations to our authority. We do not:
- Respond to emergencies or investigate allegations of abuse or neglect;
- Make, change, or overturn casework or court decisions;
- Provide legal advice or representation;
- Intervene in or make recommendations regarding personnel disciplinary actions; or
- Investigate or take action against attorneys (including Guardians ad Litem and Prosecuting Attorneys) or judges.
File a complaint
Information for Youth in Foster Care
Information for Adults Concerned About a Child in Foster Care
Foster Care Ombudsman Reporting
Training & Presentation Requests
Frequently Asked Questions about the Foster Care Ombudsman
helpful Links & Resources
Foster Care Ombudsman Program - West Virginia Code §§16B-16-1, et seq.
West Virginia Foster Child Bill of Rights - West Virginia Code §49-2-126
West Virginia Foster and Kinship/Relative Bill of Rights - West Virginia Code §49-2-127
West Virginia Bureau for Social Services
Contact Us
Foster Care Ombudsman
State Capitol Complex
Building 6, Suite 817
Charleston, WV 25305
Phone: 304.558.1117
Fax: 304.558.1992
Email: FosterCareOmbudsman@wv.gov