In by ombudsman

A woman came to the Ombudsman with multiple complaints about the way OCS was handling her case. She said that she had been told a month ago she was getting a new caseworker, but she still had the same one. A check of the agency computerized database revealed that her case had been assigned a new case worker that day, without Ombudsman involvement. She then complained that OCS failed to get paperwork to a provider in time for the woman to participate in a required parenting class, thus delaying her ability to show progress on her case plan. When the Ombudsman contacted an OCS supervisor, she accepted responsibility for the delay and explained that the caseworker went on vacation and the supervisor was not aware the paperwork needed to be submitted. She sent it immediately after it was brought to her attention, but it was too late for the woman to participate in the class. The woman found a different class to attend and OCS completed the paperwork and sent it in in time for the woman to take the class. Lastly, the woman complained that OCS was requiring her to complete substance use disorder treatment with no evidence of substance abuse. Ombudsman review showed that the agency based its decision on the results of a professional assessment. The Ombudsman told the woman that the agency decision did not appear unreasonable based on the circumstances of her case. (A2016-1516)