April 1999

The Honorable Gary Locke
Honorable Members of the Legislative
Children’s Oversight Committee

I am pleased to submit the 1998 report of the Office of the Family and Children’s Ombudsman (OFCO).

Pursuant to RCW 43.06A.030(6), OFCO is to submit annually to the Governor and members of the Children’s Legislative Oversight Committee a report analyzing the work of the office, including recommendations for changes in state law and policies.

This report provides an account of OFCO’s activities from December 1, 1997 through January 30, 1999. Based on our investigative work during this period, OFCO has proposed a specific recommendation regarding school districts’ policies and procedures for reporting child abuse and neglect. s for changes in state law and policies, including (list the most important). The report also provides a description of the complaints received by OFCO from December 1997 through August 1998. Based on our involvement in complaints received during this period, OFCO has identified three several issues that which we believe merit further review and possible investigation in the upcoming year. Finally, this report describes our progress in meeting our organizational goals, and the status of recommendations and concerns identified in our 1997 report.

All of us at OFCO appreciate the opportunity to serve the families and children of Washington State, and your continued support of this in this endeavor.

Respectfully submitted,