Washington State Statutes - Washington Attorney Directory

The ombudsman shall perform the following duties:

     (1) Provide information as appropriate on the rights and responsibilities of individuals receiving family and children's services, and on the procedures for providing these services;

     (2) Investigate, upon his or her own initiative or upon receipt of a complaint, an administrative act alleged to be contrary to law, rule, or policy, imposed without an adequate statement of reason, or based on irrelevant, immaterial, or erroneous grounds; however, the ombudsman may decline to investigate any complaint as provided by rules adopted under this chapter;

     (3) Monitor the procedures as established, implemented, and practiced by the department to carry out its responsibilities in delivering family and children's services with a view toward appropriate preservation of families and ensuring children's health and safety;

     (4) Review periodically the facilities and procedures of state institutions serving children, and state-licensed facilities or residences;

     (5) Recommend changes in the procedures for addressing the needs of families and children;

     (6) Submit annually to the committee and to the governor by November 1 a report analyzing the work of the office including recommendations;

     (7) Grant the committee access to all relevant records in the possession of the ombudsman unless prohibited by law; and

     (8) Adopt rules necessary to implement this chapter.

[1996 c 131 § 4.]

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