BOARD/COMMISSION:  Board of the Foster Youth Ombudsperson

The Board consists of:

1. Five youth who are currently in the foster care system or who were recently in the foster care system;

2. Four adults who were in the foster care system as youths;

3. One attorney who works in the juvenile court system or family court;

4. One guardian ad litem who is currently appointed to protect the interests of minors in cases in the juvenile court system;

5. One social worker who works in the juvenile justice system or family court; and

6. Three nonprofit professionals who work at nonprofits serving foster youth.

The membership terms, compensation, removal of members, and filling of vacancies on the Board of the Foster Youth Ombudsperson are governed by section 15.0575. A member of the Board of the Foster Youth Ombudsperson must not have a conflict of interest with the board due to the member's employment with a county or the agency.

The Board of the Foster Youth Ombudsperson is established to make recommendations to the foster youth ombudsperson and staff while continuously overseeing the foster youth ombudsperson’s work. The Board shall evaluate the foster youth ombudsperson’s effectiveness through regular meetings with current and former youth in the foster care system and community advocates working closely with the foster care system.