Sec. 1. 22 MRSA §4087-A, as amended by PL 2001, c. 696, §36, is further amended to read:

§4087-A. Ombudsman program

1. Definitions. As used in this section, unless the context otherwise indicates, the following terms have the following meanings.

A. "Ombudsman" means the director of the program and persons employed or volunteering to perform the work of the program.

B. "Program" means the ombudsman program established under this section.

2. Program established. The ombudsman program is established as an independent program within the Executive Department to provide ombudsman services to the children and families of the State regarding child welfare services provided by the Department of Human Services department. The program shall consider and promote the best interests of the child involved, answer inquiries and investigate, advise and work toward resolution of complaints of infringement of the rights of the child and family involved. The program must be staffed, under contract, by an attorney or a master's level social worker who must have experience in child development and advocacy, and support staff as determined to be necessary. The program shall function through the staff of the program and volunteers recruited and trained to assist in the duties of the program.

3. Contracted services. The program shall operate by contract with a may be operated by an independent nonprofit organization that the Executive Department determines to be free of potential conflict of interest and best able to, or by a nonprofit organization that provides other services, and shall provide the services on a statewide basis. The ombudsman may not be actively involved in state-level political party activities or publicly endorse, solicit funds for or make contributions to political parties on the state level or candidates for statewide elective office. The ombudsman may not be a candidate for or hold any statewide elective or appointive public office.

4. Services. The program shall provide services directly or under contract and may set priorities for service among the types of inquiries and complaints. The program may: