By Ruth Brown, Idaho Reports
The state’s new Health and Social Services Ombudsman, Trevor Sparrow, made his first appearance before the legislature on Wednesday after lawmakers established the office last year.
Lawmakers passed SB 1380 in 2024 to establish an office to evaluate complaints and compliance for children under the care of the state. That includes both foster care and children in the state juvenile justice system. The office operates separately from the Idaho Department of Health and Welfare and the courts.
Sparrow went before the Joint Finance-Appropriation Committee asking for an additional $50,000 allocation to go to salary increases as he fills the two vacant positions in the new office. Sparrow said his office may need employees with legal or nursing expertise.
The bill to establish the office came after legislators voiced concerns during the 2024 legislative session about foster kids and families that weren’t being addressed in a timely manner through existing channels. Complaints to the office could come from foster parents or biological parents, or youths or others involved in the foster care system.
The ombudsman is charged with gathering and analyzing data to discern any patterns and problems in health and social services.
Sparrow previously served as director of the Idaho Youth Challenge Academy and Gov. Brad Little appointed him as ombudsman in November 2024.
“I’m excited for the opportunity to serve,” Sparrow told the committee.
He offered the example of Idaho having one of the highest rates of incarcerated women in the country, contributing to the number of children in foster care.
Idaho imprisoned 132 women per 100,000 residents in 2022, according to the latest Department of Justice data. The state has the highest female incarceration rate in the country, according to a story by InvestigateWest.
Ruth Brown | Producer
Ruth Brown grew up in South Dakota and her first job out of college was covering the South Dakota Legislature. She’s since moved on to Idaho lawmakers. Brown spent 10 years working in print journalism, including newspapers such as the Idaho Statesman and Idaho Press, where she’s covered everything from the correctional system to health care issues. She joined Idaho Reports in 2021 and looks forward to telling stories about how state policy can impact the lives of regular Idahoans.