It’s live! Board Applications for Ombuds Office for Foster Youth
This spring, we celebrated the passage of the Ombuds Office for Foster Youth with our testifiers and Foster leaders from across the state. This Office will be a critical lifeline for Fosters, so they have a place to call if they are being harmed while in state care. And now (drumroll please)...
Applications for the Board of the Foster Youth Ombudspserson are live!
There are nine positions held for Fosters on the Board, in addition to positions for professionals in the child welfare system. The Board will play a critical role as advisors in selecting the first Ombudsperson and overseeing the launch of this Office. See details below about eligibility and applications.
Help us spread the word—let's ensure there are lots of great candidates for this important oversight Board!
Passing laws like the Ombuds Office for Foster Youth is huge—and just the first step. Filling the Board with great applicants is critically important to make sure the implementation of this Office is informed by Fosters and the Office gets set up to meet individual and community-wide needs. It's all part of our vision for full rights for Fosters, which will take about $1.2 million in community support and advocacy each year.
If you are not in a position to apply this fall, please help spread the word to other Fosters and to professionals you trust and encourage them to apply!
Board details:
$50-75 stipend per board meeting, about 12 meetings per year*
Selected applicants will be notified in mid to late November*
Positions:
5 youth who are currently in the foster care system or who were recently in the foster care system
4 adults who were in the foster care system as youths
1 attorney who works in the juvenile court system or family court
1 guardian ad litem who is currently appointed to protect the interests of minors in cases in the juvenile court system
1 social worker who works in the juvenile justice system or family court
3 nonprofit professionals who work at nonprofits serving foster youth
Application details:
Cover letter and resume are not required but are strongly encouraged. In the cover letter, let them know how you found out about the posting and why you want to be on the Board!
You can include a letter of recommendation (and you probably should!)
Priority deadline to apply is October 3rd (when applicant review will start)
Background checks will be conducted in late October. Applicants will not be automatically excluded because of past legal system involvement.
Applicant names will be listed publicly. List the name you would like to be called and be publicly listed. If you have a different legal name (ie, deadname, safety concerns), you can email the Board contact (listed on application page) to provide that for background check.
*Notification timing and meeting details based on estimates from Department of Administration at this time; stipend/meeting details will be confirmed by Board and Ombuds once selected.
