Alaska State Ombudsman, Kate Burkhart, released a report of an investigation of the Office of Children’s Services (OCS) today. The Ombudsman investigated allegations that OCS staff did not follow agency policies and procedures, disregarded relevant information in their decision-making process, and did not properly address the safety threats to the children.
Read the Press Release.
Read the Public Investigative Report.
We have launched a constituent survey, asking people about their experience with ombudsman services. If you made a complaint to our office recently, you may receive a survey by email or mail. This is not spam or junk mail — we really want to hear from you.
If you receive the survey, please take a few minutes to fill it out and send it back. All responses are anonymous. We will use your feedback to improve our services. Thanks!
Our intrepid Intake Team will be in staff training September 12-16.
While we won’t be taking complaints by telephone during that time, you can still use the secure and confidential online complaint portal. We will respond to new complaints and communications after September 19.
Kate Burkhart begins her second term as Alaska State Ombudsman today. The Alaska State Legislature, in joint session, unanimously approved her reappointment on May 4, 2022.
Alaska State Ombudsman Kate Burkhart has released her latest Annual Report. This year’s report includes an overview of major investigations, complaints about key state agencies, and a look back at the organization’s achievements since 2017.
Today, Ombudsman Kate Burkhart released a report of the investigation of a complaint that Alaska’s state psychiatric hospital does not provide patients with adequate treatment planning or access to active treatment, both of which are required by law and agency policy. The Ombudsman investigated similar allegations in 2018.
The Ombudsman also investigated allegations that Alaska Psychiatric Institute has not addressed discriminatory, bullying, and hostile workplace conduct by staff and managers.
Read the public summary report.
Read the Executive Summary Report of the 2018 Ombudsman Investigation of API.
Ombudsman Kate Burkhart has released a public summary of the investigation of a complaint that correctional officers used excessive force on three inmates at Anchorage Correctional Complex. In November, 2017, an inmate contacted the Ombudsman to report that he had, that morning, been inappropriately sprayed with oleoresin capsicum (OC or pepper spray) by a group of correctional officers. After an extensive investigation, the Ombudsman found the complaint justified and made 11 recommendations to resolve the deficiencies identified by the investigation.
The Ombudsman has released the public summary of her investigation of two complaints received in the fall of 2020 about how the Department of Corrections (DOC) was screening and quarantining people at Lemon Creek Correctional Center. The Ombudsman investigated 4 allegations, and found 2 supported by the evidence. DOC resolved one allegation during the investigation, and the Ombudsman made an additional recommendation related to screening for symptoms of COVID-19.
Ombudsman Kate Burkhart has released a public report of the investigation of a complaint that the Office of Children’s Services improperly cancelled a relative adoption and pursued a change in foster placement.
The Ombudsman investigated three allegations, and found all three justified. She made two recommendations to OCS to prevent similar complaints. OCS committed to three additional actions to improve operations. Learn more and read the report.
October 14 is National Ombuds Day!! This is a day to raise awareness about the ombudsman profession and how ombudsmen help people resolve conflict.
Check out our new Ombuds Day video to learn how we help Alaskans.
See more videos from the Alaska State Ombudsman on our YouTube Channel.