Missouri Office of the Child Advocate

About this resource

Ombudsman is a Swedish word that means "representative" or "agent." Ombudsman or Child Advocates were established within states and/or Child Welfare to investigate complaints, concerns, or violations of children right's while in foster care.

In Missouri, the Office of Child Advocate (OCA), or Ombudsman, is independent of the Department of Social Services, Children's Division, the Department of Mental Health, and the Juvenile Court. The OCA is an option for concerned youth, family members, foster parents/guardians, and caring citizens. 

The Office of Child Advocate's (OCA) main roles are: 

Review foster care case management
Review unsubstantiated hotline cases
Mediate between parents and schools regarding abuse allegations in a school setting
Review child fatalities for children and families that have had a history with the Children's Division
Provide information and referrals for families needing services.

To file a complaint: 

Call at the numbers listed above
Email the office at [email protected]
Or fill out and return a complaint form, https://oca.mo.gov/pdf/Complaint_Form.pdf