Foster Youth - Know Your Rights

Click the link above for more information!

Who is supposed to teach me about my rights?

The law says:

• Your social worker (SW) or probation officer (PO) must talk with you about your rights every 6 months and at every placement change
  • They must tell you about your rights in a way that’s easy for you to understand
  • They must use our office’s publications to explain your rights
• You have a lawyer and their job is to defend your rights
• The people where you live must answer any questions you have about your rights
• If you live in an STRTP, shelter, or home with 6 or more foster youth, a poster of your rights must be visible

Who can I contact if my rights are being violated?

You can contact us at the California Office of the Foster Care Ombudsperson (OFCO)!

An ombudsperson (also called ombudsman) is an impartial, independent person with the authority and responsibility to receive, investigate, and/or informally address and resolve complaints about government actions, and when appropriate, make systemic recommendations based on findings.

The OFCO is a neutral and independent office that helps solve problems and complaints about the care, placement, and services of children and youth in foster care. 

  1-877-846-1602
  fosteryouthhelp@dss.ca.gov

File a Youth Complaint

Remember: You have the right to speak to this office confidentially, and you cannot be threatened, punished or retaliated against for making complaints.