Governor's Advocacy Office

The Governor's Advocacy Office includes: Department of Human Services Ombudsmen, Children's Ombudsman, and Pain Management Program

The Governor's Advocacy Office at the Department of Human Services is part of the Department's Director's Office and serves as the ombudsman for the Department's programs and services. The Children's Ombudsman and the Pain Management Program are also located in this office.

The Governor's Advocacy Office serves thousands of families throughout Oregon every year. Citizens experiencing a problem with, or seeking information about programs or services provided by DHS receive help and direction from the Governor's Advocacy Office's ombudsmen. These concerns include, but are not limited to, child and elder abuse and neglect, access to health and dental programs, homelessness, personal or family crisis, drug and alcohol treatment, mental health programs, and services for people with developmental disabilities. This office also responds to the management of chronic pain through the Pain Management Program.

For information on the Pain Management Program, visit the Pain management Web site or call the toll free number 1-800-442-5238.

How to make contact with the Children's Ombudsman or other DHS Ombudsman:

The Governor's Advocacy Office, DHS Ombudsmen and Children's Ombudsman can be reached by calling (503) 945-6904, or toll free at 1-800-442-5238. There are eight incoming phone lines, if staff are unable to speak with the caller a message can be left on the voice-mail system.

You may also write to Naomi Steenson, Governor's Advocate and Children's Ombudsman by e-mail at dhs.info@state.or.us.