§ 523-C — Duties of the office of the ombudsman

§ 523-c. Duties of the office of the ombudsman. The office of the\nombudsman shall:\n 1. visit facilities and programs in accordance with priorities\nestablished by the director, hear grievances and complaints, investigate\nalleged violations of the legal rights of youth residing in facilities\noperated by the office, and monitor and participate in grievance\nprocedures concerning residents in secure facilities, pursuant to\nsection five hundred four-a of this article;\n 2. monitor the implementation of the policies and regulations of the\noffice and of the rules and regulations of other state agencies, as such\nmay be applicable to the legal rights of youth residing in facilities\noperated by the office, and monitor the implementation of statutes,\ncourt orders, court decisions and court stipulations which affect youth\nresiding in facilities operated by the office;\n 3. advise and assist youth residing in facilities operated by the\noffice to obtain legal counsel;\n 4. recommend policies, regulations, and legislation designed to\nprotect youth residing in facilities operated by the office;\n 5. serve as a resource to youth residing in facilities operated by the\noffice by informing them of pertinent laws, regulations and policies,\nand their rights thereunder;\n 6. present significant complaints and concerns of youth residing in\nfacilities operated by the office to the commissioner, appropriate\noffice staff, and the independent review board; and\n 7. periodically review procedures established by the office to carry\nout the provisions of this article, with a view toward the rights,\nsafety and development of youth residing in facilities operated by the\noffice.\n