Read the latest news from the Alaska State Ombudsman.
2019 Annual Report
The Ombudsman has released the 2019 Annual Report.
Highlights include:
- Implementation of a modern electronic case management system, on time and on budget;
- Over 2,000 requests for assistance in 2019;
- Over 1,500 jurisdictional complaints received in 2019;
- Discussion of complaint data and investigations for major departments, including Health and Social Services, Corrections, and Administration; and
- Progress on our 2017-2022 strategic plan and performance indicators.
Ombudsman Investigates Public Guardian
Concerned family members made a complaint about the guardianship of a man who died while a ward of the Public Guardian and the Office of Public Advocacy. The Ombudsman investigated whether the Public Guardian visited with the man, as required by state law, and whether they spent his limited resources in a way to provide him with safe and consistent housing. Based on the evidence, they had not. The Ombudsman also investigated how the Public Guardian managed his finances after his death.
Read the summary of the investigation, and the recommendations we made to the Office of Public Advocacy:
Ombudsman Closes Offices to Visitors, Maintains Operations During COVID-19 Outbreak
Beginning March 16, 2020 and until further notice, the Alaska State Ombudsman offices in Anchorage and Juneau are closed to visitors. Ombudsman operations will continue and Alaskans can still make complaints and speak with staff by telephone, email, and through the secure, confidential complaint portal at https://ombud.alaska.gov/.
Ombudsman Investigates Background Check Program Mistake
In May 2018, the Alaska State Ombudsman received a complaint from a health care worker who had their background check clearance renewal denied based on a misdemeanor conviction more than twenty years before. The complaint alleged that the Background Check Program, which had cleared the complainant in 2012, had erroneously determined that the misdemeanor conviction was a permanent barrier. After investigating the complaint and meeting with agency leadership, the Ombudsman found the allegation justified and made six recommendations to resolve the complaint and prevent similar problems in the future. The agency accepted two recommendations, most importantly the recommendation to maintain the complainant’s background clearance. Read the full report below.
Rural Outreach in Kotzebue
Alaska State Ombudsman staff are in Kotzebue this week for on-site outreach and community engagement. There are two opportunities to meet with our staff — no appointment necessary. Come by to learn about ombudsman services, make a complaint, and get helpful resources:
October 22 at the Chukchi Campus, 9:30 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.
October 23 at the Kotzebue Legislative Information Office noon – 3:00 p.m.
Ombudsman Outreach in Kotzebue
Alaska State Ombudsman staff will be in Kotzebue October 22-23, 2019 to meet with the public, and state and community agencies.
You can talk with our staff and make a complaint on October 22, 9:30a.m. – 1:00 p.m. at the Chukchi Campus, 604 3rd Street or October 23, 12:00 – 3:00 p.m. at the LIO, 241 5th Avenue. No appointment necessary.
Call 907.269.5290 for more information.
Alaska Day 2019
Alaska State Ombudsman offices will be closed October 18, 2019 in observance of Alaska Day. We will reopen October 21, 2019.
Fall 2019 Newsletter
The Fall Newsletter is here! Read about Ombuds Day and October outreach events, current job openings, success stories, and how the Ombudsman is working to improve how we respond to complaints about sexual harassment.
Ombuds Day – October 10
The second annual Ombuds Day Resource Fair is October 10. Join Alaska’s ombudsman programs and partners at the Anchorage Loussac Library, 1:00-4:00 p.m. Thursday for free information, resources, and cake! Call 907.269.5290 for more information.