The Office of the Children's Ombudsman

 In the prior years Virginia did not have an Ombudsman for children in the state. Recently however we have an Office of the Children's Ombudsman conducts outside investigations into complaints against the Department of Social Services. 

The office investigates complaints regarding whether or not the local agencies are following policies and laws when conducting their investigations and cases. 

As it stands in Virginia the Ombudsman only has the authority to investigate, and notify other channels in the state as to whether or not these policies were followed. 

I highly suggest if you or someone you know has dealt with unfair/illegal practices when dealing with the Department Of Social Services CPS that file a complaint within the office. 

I did not even know what an Ombudsman was until after my children were gone. 

In terms of "reporting" the usual process of reporting is first to the Supervisor of your caseworker, then to the local department head, then to the director of Social Services. However often because these reports are filed internally to the same agency the families are having trouble with it isn't always handled properly if at all and that is why it is important to get these complaints to the Ombudsman’s Office. 

Even lacking authority in present time to make change the complaints filed with this office is sent over to other areas of the state for "statistics". 

The hope is enough reports of the same problems may could generate real change in legislation. 

You can find the details needed to file a complaint with the Ombudsman Office here.