Ombudsman: Problems with OCS grievance process

JUNEAU (AP) — The process for filing complaints with the state Office of Children's Services, or OCS, is cumbersome and ineffective and should be rewritten, an investigative arm of the Alaska Legislature has found.

The state Ombudsman, in a report released Monday, determined that “convoluted” and difficult-to-apply regulations are the root of the problems with the OCS grievance process.

The ombudsman recommends that OCS repeal and replace its regulations and policies and procedures for grievances, and provide employee training on the new regulations and policies. OCS Director Christy Lawton ag...