The Alaska Office of Children's Services (OCS) was found to have failed in providing adequate support for a foster child with aggressive behaviors, according to a report by the state Ombudsman's office. The report, stemming from a 2022 complaint by a foster parent, highlighted OCS's failure to follow placement policies, fully explain the child's behaviors, and appropriately handle reports of child maltreatment. It also found that OCS didn't fully provide necessary mental health interventions. While OCS accepted most of the five recommendations issued, one allegation of unfair investigation against the foster parent was not substantiated.
The Office of Children’s Services Administrative Office in downtown Juneau on Monday, Dec. 16, 2024.found that the Alaska Office of Children’s Services failed to offer enough support for a foster child with aggressive behaviors. It originated from a 2022 complaint from a foster parent.
A spokesperson for OCS said in an email that the office is committed to addressing recommendations from the ombudsman, Kate Burkhart. “We give people who don’t have a voice, a voice,” Burkhart said. “So, often in child protection cases, when foster parents feel like they have been treated unfairly by the agency, they don’t have a lot of recourse.”
“In this case, OCS and the Department of Family and Community Services and the Department of Health all participated in that process to help ensure that our recommendations made the most sense,” Burkhart said. “And really led to improved — we hope — improved, services for foster youth that have complex disabilities and needs”
Alaska Office Of Children's Services Foster Care Ombudsman Child Welfare
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