New ombudsman for foster families takes first steps before lawmakers

By Ruth Brown, Idaho Reports

The state’s new health and human services ombudsman, Trevor Sparrow, made his first appearance before lawmakers Wednesday after lawmakers created the office last year.

The Legislature passed SB 1380 in 2024 to establish an office to evaluate complaints and compliance for children under state care. This includes both foster families and children in the state juvenile justice system. The office operates separately from the Idaho Department of Health and Human Services and the courts.

Sparrow addressed the Joint Finance-Appropriation Committee requesting an additional allocation of $50,000 for salary increases while he fills the two vacant positions in the new office. Sparrow said his office may need staff with legal or nursing expertise.

The bill creating the office came after lawmakers during the 2024 legislative session raised concerns about foster children and families not being addressed in a timely manner through existing channels. Complaints to the office may be made by foster parents or birth parents, or by youth or others involved in the foster care system.

The Ombudsman’s role is to collect and analyze data to identify patterns and problems in health and social care.

Sparrow was previously director of the Idaho Youth Challenge Academy and Governor Brad Little appointed him ombudsman in November 2024.

“I am very excited about the opportunity to serve,” Sparrow told the committee.

He cited the example that Idaho has one of the highest rates of incarcerated women in the country, which contributes to the number of children in foster care.

According to the latest Department of Justice data, 132 women per 100,000 people were incarcerated in Idaho in 2022. The state has the highest incarceration rate of women 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 has since moved to the Idaho Legislature. Brown worked in print journalism for ten years, including at newspapers such as Idaho Statesman And Idaho Presswhere she covers everything from corrections to health issues. She joined Idaho Reports in 2021 and looks forward to telling stories about how state policies can impact the lives of everyday Idahoans.