About Us

Idaho’s Health and Social Services Ombudsman (HSSO) was created to ensure Idaho’s complex child protections system consistently provided high quality services to children and families throughout the state of Idaho. Established during the 2024 Legislative session under Chapter 19, Title 56, Idaho Code to respond to complaints related to services provided to children in foster care, protective supervision, or residential treatment facilities in Idaho.

We are independent from the state and county agencies that work on behalf of the children and families. We listen to the public about their experience with and concerns about the child protection, research and investigate those concerns, and determine the best way to resolve each concern.

Our Mission

The Office of health and Social Services Ombudsman (HSSO) is committed to ensuring the state’s child protection system consistently provides high quality services to every child, family, and community in Idaho.

Values That Guide Our Mission

At the Office of Health and Social Services Ombudsman, our work is shaped by values that reflect our commitment to the communities we support. We believe in:

• Integrity: Promoting transparency and accountability in our actions.
• Empathy: Prioritizing the needs of families and children at every step.
• Advocacy: Championing the rights of each child and family in Idaho.