In 2023, the Louisiana Legislature created the Office of Child Ombudsman within the Louisiana Legislative Auditor’s Office. The definition of an “ombudsman” is a person who investigates, reports on, and helps settle complaints.
The Louisiana Child Ombudsman acts as an independent ombudsman monitoring and evaluating the public and private agencies involved in the protection of children and delivery of services to children; reviews state policies and procedures to ensure they protect children’s rights and promote their best interest; and safeguards the welfare of children through educational advocacy, system reform, public awareness, and training.
Anyone who has concerns regarding Louisiana’s child services programs in state agencies can contact the Ombudsman. These state agencies include the Department of Children & Family Services, Office of Juvenile Justice, Department of Education, and Louisiana Department of Health.
Kathleen Stewart Richey is the state’s first Child Ombudsman. She will explain the requirements of the legislation and its application. She will also provide information about the first published report since the creation of the position.
Learning Objectives:
- Learn about the law establishing Louisiana’s first Child Ombudsman.
- Understand how the requirements of the program will be implemented.
SPEAKERS
Kathleeen Stewart Richey, J.D., State of Louisiana Child Ombudsman, Louisiana Legislative Auditor’s Office
Kathleen Stewart Richey joined the Louisiana Legislative Auditor’s office in October 2023 as the first Child Ombudsman for the State of Louisiana. Prior to joining the LLA, Kathleen served as a juvenile court judge in East Baton Rouge Parish for 24 years and has extensive experience and training in both the child welfare system and the legal system.
Kathleen began her career as an attorney representing children in child dependency and delinquency matters. During that time, she served on the Children’s Code Project Committee, which drafted the Louisiana law regarding children’s issues. In 1991, Kathleen became the first Juvenile Judge in East Baton Rouge Parish. She served in that role for twenty-four years and was instrumental in establishing Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA), for the capital area. Her decades of experience, knowledge and service as a proven and dedicated advocate for the well-being of all children makes her the perfect choice as the state’s first Child Ombudsman.