October is Safe Sleep Awareness month. Did you know, a Michigan baby dies every 2 ‐ 3 days due to sleep‐related causes? Sleep-related infant deaths are those where something in the baby's sleep environment (blankets, pillows, people, etc.) likely contributed to the death.
Visit our Resources page to learn more about how to keep infants safe.
The OCA is an independent state agency with the primary responsibility to receive and investigate complaints concerning the administrative actions of agencies within the child welfare system. In addition to addressing complaints, the Office of the Child Advocate makes recommendations to the Governor, the Legislature, and MDHHS for changes in child welfare laws, rules, and policies to ultimately improve outcomes for children.
On December 12, 2023, Public Act 303 of 2023 changed the name of the Office of Children’s Ombudsman to Office of the Child Advocate (OCA).
Our core mission remains unchanged.
The OCA can investigate situations where it’s believed that the Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) or a private agency is not following rules, laws, policies, or procedures, and if those rules and policies are in the best interest of the child.
See more information about how to file a complaint or request advocacy today.
Gov. Whitmer recently signed two new pieces of legislation into law, both of which will have a meaningful and positive impact on children’s lives. The newly signed laws provide the advocacy children need when navigating Michigan’s juvenile justice and child welfare system.
• House Bill 5393 extends the amount of time juvenile offenders have to complete the juvenile consent calendar case plan from three months to six months. The extended time aligns with a recommendation from Michigan’s Juvenile Justice Reform Task Force.
• House Bill 5429 will allow courts to establish a court-appointed special advocate (CASA) program. CASA volunteers work directly with children, advocating for their best interests and helping them navigate difficult and often confusing legal proceedings. The entire team at the Office of the Child Advocate looks forward to building a strong working relationship with CASA staff and volunteers as we work together to improve outcomes for abused and neglected children.
On behalf of the entire staff at the Office of the Child Advocate, we want to thank Gov. Whitmer and state policymakers for their efforts to help children in incredibly vulnerable situations and improve the state’s juvenile justice system.
The OCA advocates for children by collaborating with state policymakers and elected officials to bring attention to the challenges within Michigan's child welfare system. We provide recommendations through our annual reports to bring about awareness and positive change.
The child welfare system is a vast, interconnected set of institutions and agencies. This website provides resource information to the public regarding the child welfare system. In addition, the OCA staff can provide insight into the system's processes as part of our investigations.
The OCA has the authority to investigate complaints regarding the child welfare system, which includes Children’s Protective Services, foster care, adoption, child-placing agencies, childcaring institutions, and residential facilities providing juvenile justice services.
If you suspect child abuse or neglect, call 855-444-3911.
If you or someone you know feels overwhelmed by the demands of parenting. Call Parenting Awareness Michigan (PAM) at 1-800-968-4968 for information about family support resources in your community.
Frontline Strong Together: 833-34-STRONG: 24/7 support for first responders and their families (police, EMS, fire, Dispatch, and Corrections).
The Office of the Child Advocate operates with integrity, valuing diversity and inclusivity. We foster a supportive community where every voice is heard and respected. Through empathy, we create a safe environment, promoting the rights and well-being of all children in the child welfare system.
If you are applying for the first time, please consider the Healthy Michigan Plan!
The Healthy Michigan Plan provides health care benefits to Michigan residents at a low cost so that more people can have health care coverage. Individuals are eligible for the Healthy Michigan Plan if they meet specific requirements:
