Contact Us
1-877-846-1602
Open Monday – Friday from
8AM – 5PM
fosteryouthhelp@dss.ca.gov
For inquiries, resources, and referrals
OFCO Services
File a Youth or General Complaint
We solve problems and complaints about foster youth rights violations and the care, placement, and services of youth in foster care.
Request Foster Youth Rights Publications
We provide free Foster Youth Bill of Rights publications to foster youth, county child welfare and probation offices, and more.
Request an OFCO Training
We provide trainings on the services provided by our office, the Foster Youth Bill of Rights, and the reasonable and prudent parent standards.
Request a Verification Letter
We provide former foster youth in California with Dependency Letters (also called Verification Letters or Ward of the Court
Letters).
What Happens When You Call
1) Listen
When you call our office, an Ombudsperson staff will answer the phone and listen to your complaint. They will ask you some questions to learn more about your situation.
2) Investigate
If your complaint is accepted for investigation, it will be assigned to an Ombudsperson staff. They will do a thorough review of the issues in your complaint.
3) Resolve
The Ombudsperson staff will work hard to resolve your complaint. They will try to come up with a solution that will protect the foster youth rights and support the youth’s best interest.
4) Recommend
Our office uses the data from your complaint to analyze trends, write reports, and make policy recommendations that can improve the foster care system.
The California Office of the Foster Care Ombudsperson is dedicated to serving
foster youth in California by investigating and resolving complaints
about foster youth rights, care, placement, and services.
1-877-846-1602
fosteryouthhelp@dss.ca.gov
www.fosteryouthhelp.ca.gov
The law that governs the OFCO is Welfare and Institutions Code (WIC) 16164.
