NCJ Number
95283
Date Published
Unknown
Length
62 pages
Annotation
This 1982 annual report of Iowa's Citizens' Aide/Ombudsman (CA/O) presents statistics and information on the complaints received and the actions taken.
Abstract
The CA/O received 3,757 contacts from citizens with complaints or requests for information. Approximately 31 percent of these were found to be justified or partially justified; 43 percent were unjustified; and 26 percent were either withdrawn or could not be investigated because of lack of information. The average length that a case remained open -- that is, until it was judged to be either justified or unjustified -- was 31.5 days. Case statistics demonstrate that 74 percent of the cases were closed within 60 days or less. The greater proportion of contacts involved those agencies and levels of government most directly involved in providing services to or controlling behavior of large numbers of citizens. Accordingly, almost 25 percent of the 1982 contacts dealt with divisions or programs of the Department of Social Services. Lesser numbers involved the Parole Board (2.9 percent), Job Service of Iowa (2.5 percent), the Department of Transportation (2.1 percent), the Department of Health (1.4 percent), and the Department of Revenue (1.1 percent). The Office of Citizens' Aid/Ombudsman employs six professionals and two clerks. During fiscal 1981-82, the State appropriation plus cost-of-living salary adjustment was $217,193; in fiscal 1982-83, the agency operated on a budget of $234,954. During 1982, the ombudsman did not issue any reports critical of Iowa government agencies or officials. Tables listing contact statistics and referral sources are included. The text of Chapter 601G -- the Code of Iowa, the Citizens' Aide Act -- is included, and summaries of approximately 60 cases are provided.