Bill > HF3901

This bill grants expanded investigative powers to the Office of the Foster Youth Ombudsperson, which acts as an advocate for children in foster care. Specifically, it allows the ombudsperson to initiate investigations on their own initiative, not just based on complaints, and to enter and inspect any facility where a foster youth resides without prior notice. The bill also clarifies that the ombudsperson has direct access to the social services information system and can subpoena individuals and documents relevant to an inquiry, with the ability to seek court enforcement of these subpoenas. Furthermore, it strengthens the ombudsperson's ability to receive and review complaints concerning the health, safety, and rights of foster youth, and ensures that communications between foster youth and the ombudsperson are not intercepted or delayed by placement managers, parents, guardians, or custodians. The bill also broadens the definition of "agency" to include entities that license foster placements and defines "placement" and "placement manager" to encompass a wider range of individuals and facilities involved in a foster youth's care. Finally, it ensures that data related to investigations and foster youth placements is accessible to the ombudsperson when necessary for their duties, even if that data is otherwise classified as confidential or private.