The Office of the Ombudsman, which is in, but not of, the Department of the Treasury, was created in January, 2018.

Paul Aronsohn can be contacted directly at [email protected] or (609) 649-1734.

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As the Ombudsman, Paul Aronsohn organizes and directs the work of the office with duties that include:

• Serving as a source of information for individuals with intellectual or developmental disabilities and their families and interested members of the public, to help them better understand state and federal laws and regulations;
• Coordinating with the State Council on Developmental Disabilities, to provide information and support on navigating and understanding the process for obtaining services from the state Division of Children's System of Care and the Division of Developmental Disabilities, including information on transitioning between the two programs;
• Providing information and communication strategies to individuals with intellectual or developmental disabilities and their families for resolving disagreements with various state agencies, as well as education on the available options for resolving such disputes;
• Working with service recipients, families and the departments to facilitate the provision of services and supports;
• Identifying common concerns for individuals and their families, and making recommendations to the Division of Children's System of Care and the Division of Developmental Disabilities or the Department of Children and Families and the Department of Human Services; and
• To assist the Division of Children's System of Care and the Division of Developmental Disabilities in creating public information programs designed to inform individuals with intellectual or developmental disabilities, their families, and the public about the role of the ombudsman.

Under law, the ombudsman is also required to issue a written report annually to the commissioners of both the Department of Human Services and the Department of Children and Families, as well as the governor and the legislature.

Event Type	Advocacy
Age Groups	Children Adolescents Adults Seniors
Community Services	Education Special Education Legal / Advocacy Advocacy (Legal)
Health Services	Intellectual and Developmental Needs Advocacy Special Needs
Treatment Services	In-Community Services Outreach Services
Areas Served	State-Wide

Last Updated: 01/03/23