Senator Gardner called the meeting to order. 

Stephane Villafuerte, Child Protection Ombudsman, and Jordan Steffen, Deputy Ombudsman, appeared before the committee in accordance with the SMART Government Act and Joint Rule 25.  Copies of the agency's Powerpoint presentation (Attachment A) and strategic plan (Attachment B) were distributed to committee members.  Ms. Villafuerte provided a history of the agency, including its responsibilities and jurisdiction.  Ms. Villafuerte responded to questions about tracking cases, parental rights, information sharing, and reporting requirements.

There was no public testimony.