Correctional Ombudsman Programs

Programs that are designed to protect the rights of inmates and staff, ensure safe and humane conditions and help to expose and reduce unlawful deficiencies in juvenile and/or adult correctional facilities. Ombudsman programs can serve a variety of functions including monitoring facilities and conditions, investigating complaints, reporting their findings, providing recommendations for improvements, educating the community, and, if necessary, bringing litigation. Investigating complaints includes talking to residents and witnesses, reviewing records and files, and visiting sites mentioned in complaints. The complaints can range from allegations of physical abuse and inadequate conditions to a simple lack of communication between residents and staff.