Did you know the Michigan Office of the Child Advocate (OCA) oversees juvenile justice facilities too?
The Michigan Office of the Child Advocate is an independent state agency charged with protecting children who are involved in systems meant to serve them, including juvenile justice programs and residential placements. While many people associate OCA with foster care or Child Protective Services, its authority also extends to youth held in detention centers, treatment facilities, and other justice-involved settings.
OCA can investigate complaints about how young people are treated in juvenile facilities, including concerns about safety, conditions, access to services, or whether state law and policy are being followed. Families, youth, attorneys, and advocates can confidentially contact OCA when something doesn’t feel right. Investigations are conducted independently, records are kept strictly confidential, and complainants are protected from retaliation.
To learn more about the OCA or to file a complaint, visit their website here.
