New Michigan Law Demands Greater Transparency From the Office of Children’s Ombudsman

In a move to improve oversight of Michigan’s child welfare system, recently enacted legislation now requires the Office of Children’s Ombudsman (OCO) to release redacted reports following investigations into allegations of child abuse or neglect. These reforms aim to bring long-overdue transparency and accountability to a system that impacts thousands of vulnerable children—and the families who care for them.

What Does the Office of Children’s Ombudsman Do?

The OCO plays a critical role in Michigan’s child welfare oversight. It functions as an independent watchdog agency, tasked with reviewing and investigating complaints related to the performance of state agencies such as Children’s Protective Services (CPS), foster care, and adoption services.

Specifically, the OCO:

• Monitors compliance with Michigan child welfare laws and policies;
• Investigates complaints regarding the placement, treatment, and supervision of children in foster care;
• Evaluates whether child welfare agencies are acting in the best interests of children and following due process.

What Changed With Public Act 185 of 2020?

House Bill 5248, now codified as Public Act 185 of 2020, requires the Office of Children’s Ombudsman to release redacted versions of its findings within 30 days of closing an investigation into child abuse or neglect—especially those involving child fatalities.

This means:

• The public will gain insight into how CPS and other child welfare agencies handle investigations;
• Confidential identifying information will be protected through redaction, maintaining the privacy of children and families involved;
• Lawmakers and the public can use these findings to identify systemic failures and implement improvements.

Representative Matt Hall, who introduced the bill, explained that without public access to the OCO’s findings, meaningful reform was impossible:

“We needed to provide accountability and transparency because the public was not able to review the findings of these investigations… This is vitally important because the well-being of these children is charged to the state.”

Why This Matters for Michigan Families

While this law does not change the substance of Michigan’s child protection laws, it does change how oversight and accountability are handled. For families who have been investigated—or wrongfully accused—this transparency can be vital in demonstrating agency misconduct or failures in procedure.

The legislation received bipartisan support and was even endorsed by the Office of Children’s Ombudsman itself. That kind of consensus highlights the urgent need for reform and oversight in a system that too often operates behind closed doors.

CPS Often Overreaches—Know Your Rights

At The Kronzek Firm, we’ve spent decades helping Michigan parents push back against false or exaggerated CPS accusations. We’ve seen firsthand how aggressive CPS tactics and flawed investigations can harm families. Transparency laws like Public Act 185 are a good start—but real protection comes from hiring an attorney who knows the system inside and out.

If CPS is investigating you, threatening to remove your children, or accusing you of abuse or neglect, don’t wait. Call our offices immediately.

📞 The Kronzek Firm: (866) 766-5245
We are available 24/7, to help Michigan parents protect their rights, their children, and their families.

Don’t let CPS intimidate you. Let us help you fight back..