One of the most exciting developments in our association in recent years has been the development of chapters among our members for networking and training with ombudsman offices that serve special populations or work in a specialty field. USOA currently has specialty chapters for Children & Families, Corrections, Healthcare, Municipal Government, and Public Schools.

Chapters may organize special presentations and training at USOA's annual conference and at other times during the year. Chapter chairs participate as ex officio members of the Board of Directors.

E-mail lists have been created for each chapter.  Chapter members can use the e-mail list to post news articles, news releases, and links to investigative and annual reports that would be of interest to others in the field.  Or they can post a question or concern and ask other chapter members to provide them with feedback or advice.  These smaller, topic-specific discussion groups are a useful and helpful way to interact with colleagues in the ombudsman community.

USOA Members can click here to see a list of Chapter e-mail lists.

For information on current chapter activities, contact the chair or USOA's Business Office.

Corrections Chapter

• Oscar Harriott -Lincoln, NE
  Deputy Ombudsman for Corrections
  Public Counsel/Ombudsman Office
  PO Box 94712
  State Capitol, Room 807
  Lincoln, NE 58509-4712 USA
  402-471-2035 Fax 402-471-4277
  OHarriott@unicam.state.ne.us

Education Chapter

• Dana Abrams
  St. Paul Public Schools
  360 Colborne Street
  St. Paul, MN 55102
  Phone: 651-767-8119 
  FAX 651-290-8386
  dana.abrams@spps.org
  
  
• Adie Simmons
  State of Washington
  1110 Capital Way S., Ste. 304
  Olympia, WA 99504
  Phone: 360-725-0154
  adie.simmons@gov.wa.gov

Children and Families Chapter

• Karen Grace-Kaho
  Ombudsman for Foster Care
  California Department of Social Services
  744 P Street MS 9-025
  Sacramento, CA 95814 USA
  916-653-4296 Fax 916-651-6568
  Karen.Grace-Kaho@DSS.CA.GOV
  
  
• Mary Meinig, Ombudsman
  Washington State Office of Family and Children’s Ombudsman
  6720 Fort Dent Way, Suite 240
  Tukwila, WA 98188
  206-439-3870 Fax 206-439-3877
  mary.meinig@OFCO.WA.GOV

Healthcare Chapter

• Roberta Opheim - St. Paul, MN
  Ombudsman for Mental Health & Mental Retardation
  121 7th Pl. E., Ste 420 Metro Square Bldg.
  St. Paul, MN 55101
  651-296-7831 Fax 651-296-1021
  Roberta.Opheim@state.mn.us
  
  
• Gene Raney, Ombudsman
  Virginia Office of Health Benefits
  101 N. 14th St.
  Richmond, VA 23219
  Phone 804-371-7932
  Fax 804-371-0231
  Email gene.raney@dhrm.virginia.gov
  

Municipal Government Chapter

• Amy Calderwood, King County Office of Citizen Complaints
  Yesler Building, 400 Yesler Way #240
  Seattle WA 98104-2312
  Phone: 206-296-3506
  FAX: 206-296-0948
  National 800: 1-800-325-6165
  Email: amy.calderwood@metrokc.gov
  Web Page: www.metrokc.gov/ombudsman