The annual report for 2022 is out now. Learn how we helped over 2,000 people resolve their complaints and problems. Read about the investigations we conducted. And see how we measure our own performance.
Ombudsman Issues Statement on Complaints about SNAP Delays after Class Action Filed
The Alaska State Ombudsman can no longer investigate complaints about the Department of Health Division of Public Assistance (DPA) that allege a delay in review, processing, or determination of Food Stamp (SNAP) cases, or complaints alleging that the Division’s Virtual Call Center (VCC) does not provide a realistic means of communicating with the Division. This is because state law and regulation clearly exclude matters subject to a judicial process from ombudsman review, and a class action lawsuit related to these issues has been filed.
Learn more about ombudsman authority and the exclusion of judicial actions from review here.
Kamkoff et al. v. Department of Health (3AN-23-04259 CI), filed January 20, 2023, in Anchorage Superior Court, is a class action lawsuit that alleges that the Division is not timely processing SNAP cases and is not offering meaningful communication through the VCC. So, beginning January 30, 2023, the Ombudsman will decline all complaints or requests for assistance related to SNAP delays or the Virtual Call Center. Intake staff will continue to provide referrals to agencies and resources that can assist the person with their complaint. We will continue to review complaints related to Medicaid, Senior Benefits, TANF/ATAP, and other public assistance benefits.
For information about the class action suit, contact the Northern Justice Project at (907) 308-3395.
People who have been waiting more than 30 days for a determination of their SNAP eligibility (whether a new application or recertification) can contact Alaska Legal Services Corporation for assistance at 1-888-478-2572 or apply online at https://www.alsc-law.org/intake/.
Ombudsman Releases Report on Investigation of OCS
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.
Survey Says. . .
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!
Intake Closed for Staff Training
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.
Ombudsman Begins Second Term
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.
2021 Annual Report
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.
Ombudsman Releases Report on Investigation of Alaska Psychiatric Institute
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 RELEASES REPORT ON DOC USE OF FORCE COMPLAINT
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.
Ombudsman Report on Investigation of COVID Complaints at DOC
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.