Ohio’s first-ever Youth and Family Ombudsmen Office recently began operations. The office, a recommendation of Governor Mike DeWine’s Children’s Services Transformation Advisory Council Final Report, is housed in the Ohio Department of Job and Family Services.
The office consists of both a Youth Ombudsman and a Family Ombudsman, who will ensure the independent and impartial review of youth, family, and community complaints and concerns, while attempting to resolve the issues. Jenny R. Stotts will serve as the first-ever Youth Ombudsman, while Jennifer A. Sheriff will serve as the first-ever Family Ombudsman.
Youth wishing to bring a matter before the Youth Ombudsman can call 1-877-649-6884 or 1-877-OH-YOUTH, Monday –Friday between the hours of 8 a.m. – 5 p.m. They can also submit their concern online at YouthOmbudsman.ohio.gov.
Individuals or families wishing to report unresolved concerns to the Family Ombudsman can call 1-877-649-6884 or 1-877-OH-YOUTH, Monday –Friday between the hours of 8 a.m. – 5 p.m. They can also submit their concern online at FamilyOmbudsman.ohio.gov.