Establishes the independent office of the child advocate to ensure the protection and promotion of the rights of children.

The bill establishes the independent office of the child advocate to ensure the protection and promotion of the rights of children in the care of any state agency or local social services district. The child advocate will be appointed by the governor and must have at least five years of experience in child welfare, juvenile justice, or childhood behavioral health. The advocate's duties include examining, evaluating, and reporting on issues in publicly funded programs, recommending changes in policies and regulations, and advocating for legislative, regulatory, or public policy changes.

Establishes the independent office of the child advocate to ensure the protection and promotion of the rights of children.

The bill establishes the independent office of the child advocate to ensure the protection and promotion of the rights of children in the care of any state agency or local social services district. The child advocate will be appointed by the governor and must have at least five years of experience in child welfare, juvenile justice, or childhood behavioral health. The advocate's duties include examining, evaluating, and reporting on issues in publicly funded programs, recommending changes in policies and regulations, and advocating for legislative, regulatory, or public policy changes.