Before you start: You must contact us within 9 months of the incident.
The youth in care ombuds can help
Being in a residential program, therapeutic school, or outdoor youth program can be tough—especially if you feel unheard, unsafe, or confused about your rights. The youth in care ombuds team is a safe, independent place to turn. Reaching out to us is completely confidential, risk-free, and puts you in control of what happens next.
What we can do
- Listen to your concerns.
- Answer your questions about congregate care programs.
- Advocate and be a voice for you.
- Conduct independent reviews.
- Resolve concerns by offering resources, explaining policies, working directly with the congregate care program, or opening an investigation.
What we can't do
- Investigate allegations of abuse or neglect. These concerns will be referred to the Division of Child and Family Services (DCFS).
- Investigate health and safety standards of youth in care (congregate care) programs. These concerns will be referred to the Utah Office of Licensing (DLBC).
- Give legal advice.
Intake
Once you reach out, our team is ready to listen. Whether you are a youth calling directly from a Utah program or a parent living outside our state, we want to help. We will review your situation to see how we can best support you. If we can investigate, we’ll start right away. If another agency is a better fit to solve the problem quickly, we will deliver your info to them so you don't get lost in the system.
Review
If we take on your case, we look for the fastest, most effective way to make things right. Every situation is unique, so our approach matches your specific needs. We might talk directly with the treatment program to fix a problem on the spot, dive deep into facility records, or make large-scale recommendations to change how the system works as a whole.
Finding a solution
We don't just file reports—we work to get real results. We collaborate with the treatment programs to resolve your concerns. At the end of the day, our job is to ensure your voice is heard and your rights are respected. If we run into a roadblock or can't find the exact solution you hoped for, we will honestly explain why and suggest other paths you can take.
Staying in the loop
We believe you should never be left wondering what’s happening with your case. We will keep you updated every single step of the way.
*For youth in programs- You have a right to talk to us. We will schedule private times to connect with you. Facilities cannot create barriers or stop you from speaking with our team."
How a youth in care (congregate care) ombuds helps you
Contact options
Before you start:
You must contact us within 9 months of the incident.
What happens next:
We will contact you within 3 business days. Your information is confidential.
You can contact us online, by phone, or letter:
Call
801-538-4580 (TTY: Utah Relay 7-1-1)
Monday – Friday
8 a.m. – 5 p.m.
If you have an emergency, call 9-1-1.
If you have a mental health crisis, call 9-8-8.
Mail
Department of Health and Human Services
Office of Ombuds
195 N 1950 W 1st floor
Salt Lake City, UT 8411