Our new and improved newsletter is now available! Learn when and how the Ombudsman initiates an investigation on her own motion. Read about our efforts to connect with more Alaskans through in person and social media outreach. And see what’s ahead for our communications.
AK Ombuds now on Instagram
Thanks to our communications pros, we have expanded our social media outreach to Instagram. Check us out @AKOmbuds and give us a follow to learn more about our work, get useful referrals, and enjoy our fun reels.
Memorial Day Holiday
Our offices will be closed Monday, May 29, in observance of Memorial Day. Have a safe holiday!
2022 Annual Report
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.