In addition to any powers described in this chapter, the Children's Ombudsman has the authority to do all of the following with regard to children for whom a report of abuse or neglect was made, children receiving child-protective or foster care services, in foster care, or placed for adoption in an agency placement adoption, and children who died as a result of alleged or suspected abuse or neglect:

1. 1. Pursue all necessary action, including legal action, to protect the rights and welfare of such children;
2. 2. Pursue legislative advocacy in the best interest of such children;
3. 3. Review policies and procedures relating to any child-serving agency's involvement with such children upon the Ombudsman's own initiative or upon receipt of a complaint and make recommendations for improvement;
4. 4. Initiate investigations of administrative acts of the Department, a local department, a children's residential facility, or a child-placing agency in cases relating to such children upon the Ombudsman's own initiative or upon receipt of a complaint; and
5. 5. Conduct investigations into alleged violations of the rights of a foster parent.

2020, c. 1090; 2023, c. 750; 2024, c. 280; 2026, c. 989.