What to Do if Your Rights Are Violated

You can talk with a caseworker, Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA), attorney, teacher, or another adult you trust. If you still feel that any of your rights have been violated or ignored after you have talked with one of those people, or you don’t feel comfortable talking about the issue with any of those people, you can file a complaint. When you file a complaint, be sure to include your full name, date of birth and how they can contact you.

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Foster Care Ombudsman – Youth in Foster Care Under Age 18

File your complaint with the Foster Care Ombudsman—an official who does not work for CPS and whose job is to handle complaints by youth in foster care whose rights have been violated or ignored. Ways to file:

• Call: (844)286-0769 (8am to 5pm, Monday through Friday). If you have a hearing or speech disability, you can call the toll-free Relay Texas service at 7-1-1 or (800)735-2989
• Fill out an online form here
• Mail a letter to: Texas Health and Human Services Commission, Foster Care Ombudsman, MC H-700 PO Box 13247, Austin, TX 78711-3247
• Fax a letter to: (888)780-8099

DFPS Office of Consumer Affairs – Adults age 18 and Older With Foster Care Experience

File your complaint with the DFPS Office of Consumer Affairs. Ways to file:

• Call: (800) 720-7777 (8:00am to 4:30pm, Monday through Friday). If you have a hearing or speech disability, you can call the toll-free Relay Texas service at 7-1-1 or (800) 735-2989
• Fill out online form here
• Email: oca@dfps.texas.gov
• Fax a letter to: (512) 339-5892
• Mail a letter to: OCA/DFPS, PO Box 149030, MC: Y946, Austin, TX 78714-9030