Hi Team,
I hope all is well with you and your loved ones.
Please share with your families, communities and staff about the Office of the Child Advocate:
"The Office of the Child Advocate (OCA) is an independent state agency that helps protect children in Michigan’s child welfare system. We listen to concerns and review complaints about how child welfare agencies are handling cases. We share these recommendations
with the Governor, lawmakers, and the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) to help strengthen support for children and families.
Our work includes:
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Reviewing complaints about child welfare services
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Looking into concerns about how agencies or facilities are following required policies
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Recommending improvements to child welfare laws and policies
On December 12, 2023, a new law (Public
Act 303 of 2023) officially changed the name of the Office of Children’s Ombudsman to the Office of the Child Advocate (OCA). Even though the name is different, our mission is still the same:
to protect children in the child welfare system and make sure they’re treated fairly.
When We Get Involved:
The OCA reviews concerns when someone believes that one of the following may not be following required policies or acting in the best interest of a child.
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MDHHS
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A private child‑placing agency
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A facility that cares for youth or provides juvenile justice services"
(The Juvenile Justice section has been added recently.)
A poster and flier are attached and link to it are also below.
Also below you will see a webinar by the Michigan Center for Youth Justice about the agency with the current Child Advocate Ryan Speidel.
The Office of the Child Advocate (red and turquoise1/2 page flyer) is set up to Flip on long edge to print.
The OCA Fact Sheet can print "fit to printable area" on 8 ½ x 11 at 44%.
Take care!
MJ
Mary Jo Vortkamp B.A., M.L.I.S. She/Her
Manager and Children's/Teen Librarian
Franklin Branch of the Detroit Public Library
13651 E. McNichols Detroit MI 48205
313-481-1741
Hours: M, W, S 10-6 T & Th 12-8 (school year hours)
My work day may differ from yours. Please do not feel obligated to respond outside of your regular working hours.
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From: Michigan Center for Youth Justice <mail@miyouthjustice.org>
Sent: Thursday, February 19, 2026 12:00 PM
To: Mary Jo Vortkamp <mvortkamp@detroitpubliclibrary.org>
Subject: Webinar: What is the Office of the Child Advocate, and what does it do?
CAUTION:
This email originated from outside of Detroit Public Library. Do not click links or open attachments unless you recognize the sender and know the content is safe.
Who ensures Michigan’s child welfare system puts children first?
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Join MCYJ and the current Child Advocate Ryan Speidel as we do a deep dive into the Office of the Child Advocate (OCA).
OCA is the state agency responsible for receiving and investigating complaints against child welfare agencies – including CPS, foster care, adoption services, juvenile justice
programs, and more. As part of the 2023 Justice for Kids and Communities legislative package, the Children’s Ombudsman was renamed the
Office of the Child Advocate.
In this live webinar, learn how those recent reforms impact juvenile justice stakeholders, and what the OCA can and cannot investigate. We’ll begin with a broad overview
of the OCA and then dive into the details of its day-to-day operations. There will be time for questions from the audience.
The webinar will be held on Tuesday, March 17, from 10 to 11:30 a.m.
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Our Vision: a fair and effective justice system for Michigan’s children, youth and young adults.
Our Mission: we work to advance equitable youth justice policies and practices that protect young people and help them achieve their full potential.
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Follow MCYJ on Social Media
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Michigan Center for Youth Justice
3810 Packard Rd. Suite 200A
Ann Arbor, MI 48108
United States
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