Following the extension of the Ombudsman for Children Act 2002 180 new bodies will come under the remit of the Ombudsman for Children’s Office. From 30th April 2013 the actions or inaction of what are called ‘reviewable agencies’ – public organisations that provide services for or make decisions about children , or certain private organisations acting on behalf of the State – will come under the complaints and investigations remit of the Ombudsman for Children’s Office.
Can the OCO look at the actions or inactions that took place before the 30th April?
The OCO can only look at the actions/inaction of new bodies that take place on or after 30th April.
Why is the remit of the Ombudsman for Children’s Office changing?
The role and powers of the Ombudsman for Children’s Office are set out in law, the Ombudsman for Children Act, 2002. This law states that the Ombudsman for Children must review how the Ombudsman for Children’s Act is working and may make recommendations about how it could be improved. The Ombudsman for Children did this in 2012 after very careful consideration. In October 2012 the law was changed so that the Ombudsman for Children would be able to investigate a far greater number of public bodies and organisations that provide services to children on behalf of the State.
How is it changing?
From the 30th April, the Ombudsman for Children will be able to investigate organisations she was not allowed to before as well as the bodies that were previously in the remit of the Office.
Who can OCO now examine?
The Ombudsman for Children can now examine complaints about public bodies providing services or making decisions about children and families or organisations providing services on behalf of the State. There is no official list of new bodies or organisations. This is to ensure that as many bodies as possible come under the remit of the Office. However, we have developed an indicative list as a guide.
Does the OCO handle new complaints in the same way?
Yes. The need for local procedures still applies. We have to be satisfied that the body complained about is aware of and had an opportunity to address concerns or complaints. We encourage complaints to contact the organisation they are unhappy with and complain there first. If they are unhappy with how their complaint was handled they can complain to the OCO.