This bill amends the existing law regarding the appointment of an ombudsman assistant specifically for investigating complaints related to child foster care. It introduces a new requirement that the ombudsman must appoint an assistant who has at least ten years of experience as a foster parent, with a minimum of five years spent as a foster parent while residing in Iowa. Additionally, the bill establishes a process for individual licensees under chapter 237 to directly communicate and file complaints with the ombudsman assistant.
Furthermore, the bill mandates that all public materials related to child foster care provided by the department of health and human services must include information about the ombudsman assistant's duties and the process for contacting them. This aims to enhance transparency and accessibility for individuals involved in child foster care, ensuring they have the necessary resources to address their concerns effectively.
Statutes affected: Introduced: 2C.6