Audit Reports
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Services Offered

The State of Louisiana Child Ombudsman monitors the different agencies that are responsible for children across the state, provides an avenue to report complaints, and can propose changes to help improve the services that agencies provide.

Review complaints and act as liaison for child or family
Evaluate delivery of services by state agencies
Review agency procedures to safeguard the child's rights, welfare and safety
Review child placement facilities
Review policies and procedures for placement of special needs children
Review state policies of systems providing juvenile justice, child care, foster care and access to physical and mental health treatment
Report on conditions of confinement for youth held in secure detention
Make proposals for systemic reform
Conduct programs of public education to ensure the rights of Louisiana children
Serve as a member of the State Child Death Review Panel
  • Your Trusted Advisor

    Kathleen Stewart Richey

    J.D.

    State of Louisiana Child Ombudsman

    Kathleen Stewart Richey joined the Louisiana Legislative Auditor’s office in October 2023 as the first Child Ombudsman for the State of Louisiana. Prior to joining the LLA, Kathleen served as a juvenile court judge in East Baton Rouge Parish for 24 years and has extensive experience and training in both the child welfare system and the legal system.

    Kathleen began her career as an attorney representing children in child dependency and delinquency matters. During that time, she served on the Children’s Code Project Committee, which drafted the Louisiana law regarding children’s issues. In 1991, Kathleen became the first Juvenile Judge in East Baton Rouge Parish. She served in that role for twenty-four years and was instrumental in establishing Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA), for the capital area. Her decades of experience, knowledge and service as a proven and dedicated advocate for the well-being of all children makes her the perfect choice as the state’s first Child Ombudsman.

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  • Your Trusted Advisor

    Michelle Redmond Shelton

    J.D.

    Deputy Director State of Louisiana Child Ombudsman

    Michelle Redmond Shelton joined the Louisiana Legislative Auditor’s office in July 2024 as Deputy Director of the Louisiana Child Ombudsman’s Office.

    Michelle has extensive experience in child advocacy, investigations, and public service. Before joining the Louisiana Child Ombudsman’s Office, she served as Director of Investigations at the U.S. Center for SafeSport, where she led a team responsible for conducting impartial investigations into allegations of sexual, physical, and emotional abuse. Having a strong background in criminal law and litigation, she previously worked as Section Chief and Senior Felony Assistant District Attorney at the East Baton Rouge District Attorney’s Office, handling a variety of complex cases, including child protection, juvenile delinquency, sex crimes, and violent crimes.

    Michelle holds a Juris Doctorate from Southern University Law Center and a Bachelor of Science in English and Psychology from Louisiana State University. Passionate about child welfare and juvenile justice, she has been actively involved in advocacy work, including her tenure as a Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA).
     

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