Complaints

About this resource

In North Dakota, while there isn't a dedicated Children's Ombudsman, complaints regarding foster care services can be directed to the state's Department of Human Services and its Children and Family Services Division.

To contact the Children and Family Services Division of the Department of Human Services, you need to identify the specific department for your state or local jurisdiction, as each state has its own agency, such as a Department of Children and Families (DCF) or Department of Human Services (DHS) with a child services branch. Once identified, locate the agency's official website to find contact information for reporting child abuse or neglect or to access child and family support services.

1. Identify your State's Department 

• Since there isn't a single national "Department of Human Services' Children and Family Services Division," you must first determine which state's agency to contact.
• Common agency names include:
  • Department of Human Services (DHS)
  • Department of Children and Families (DCF)
  • Department of Services for Children, Youth, and Their Families

2. Locate the Official Website 

• Search online for your state's department, for example, "Oregon Department of Human Services" or "Texas Department of Children and Families".

3. Find the Correct Contact Information 

• Once on the agency's website, look for options like:
  • Report Child Abuse or Neglect: This is usually a prominent section with a hotline number.
  • Child and Family Support Services: This section will provide information on resources, programs, and how to connect with local services.
  • Contact Us: Look for general contact information, including phone numbers, email addresses, or office locations.

4. What to do if you have an Emergency 

• If you need to report a child abuse or neglect emergency, always use the dedicated hotline for child protective services. Do not use general contact information for this purpose.