There is hereby created an office of the family and children's ombuds within the office of the governor for the purpose of promoting public awareness and understanding of family, youth, and children services provided by the department of children, youth, and families, identifying system issues and responses for the governor and the legislature to act upon, and monitoring and ensuring compliance with administrative acts, relevant statutes, rules, and policies pertaining to family, youth, and children's services and the placement, supervision, and treatment of children, youth, and individuals in the state's care or in state-licensed facilities or residences and juvenile rehabilitation facilities. The ombuds shall report directly to the governor and shall exercise the ombuds' powers and duties independently of the secretary.

Effective date—1996 c 131 ss 1-3: "Sections 1 through 3 of this act are necessary for the immediate preservation of the public peace, health, or safety, or support of the state government and its existing public institutions, and shall take effect immediately [March 21, 1996]." [ 1996 c 131 s 7.]