NCJ Number
191709
Journal
Children's Legal Rights Journal Volume: 21 Issue: 2 Dated: Summer 2001 Pages: 2-10
Date Published
2001
Length
9 pages
Annotation
This paper discusses the origin and meaning of the ombudsman system, the special-purpose ombudsman for juveniles, and the ombudsman system in Tennessee.
Abstract
The ombudsman system originated centuries ago in Sweden and in recent decades has been transplanted to a large number of countries with widely varying political systems and cultures. The ombudsman for juveniles has a more recent origin. Responsibilities vary and generally include direct legal assistance, intra-family dispute resolution, explaining the complaint procedure for children in State or foster care, investigation of institutional abuse, and influencing public policy for juveniles. Ombudsmen also clarify communication and resolve disagreement between parents and State agencies regarding children who have become State wards, as well as solve problems of serious juvenile offenders who may be kept beyond their sentences. They also investigate violations of State law by State child welfare agencies. The Tennessee Commission on Children and Youth established the ombudsman office for children and family in 1996. The ombudsman is concerned mainly with children in foster care and children in State juvenile justice facilities. The ombudsman operates as a neutral reviewer of questions, concerns, or complaints, generally uses mediation to resolve issues, and is supposed to work for the child’s best interests. The ombudsman does not have authority to impose decisions, opinions, or ideas. The Tennessee system has demonstrated promise and is still growing and developing. Finally, the important role of the ombudsman for juveniles in managing juvenile problems, grievances, and complaints and in supervising and monitoring the alternative residential care for juveniles is receiving increasing recognition. Reference notes