NCJ Number
95420
Date Published
Unknown
Length
57 pages
Annotation
This text is an instructional program designed to orient secondary school students to the role and functions of Iowa's citizens' aide/ombudsman and to enhance their knowledge of State and local government.
Abstract
The history of Iowa's ombudsman is traced from the decades following World War II to the first part of 1978, when the Iowa General Assembly selected a new citizens' aide. A true-false test based on the reading is provided. In addition, readings on Sweden's ombudsman and on those of Finland, the United Kingdom, Denmark, and Norway are also presented. A list of 'do's and don't's' for Iowa's citizens' aide is included; for example, the citizens' aide can investigate citizen complaints about an improper decision by a State or local government agency; however, he or she cannot investigate a complaint about the Governor of Iowa or the Governor's staff. Topics for student investigations are suggested, and four role playing activities are recommended. Project Outreach, which is a continuing effort to make Iowans aware of their citizens' aide/ombudsman, is described, and the number of citizen contacts with the ombudsman is noted for each county for 1971-77. The text of Chapter 601G, Code of Iowa, Iowa Citizens' Aide Act, is included. Four tables and three maps are provided, along with an 18-item bibliography. Sample tests and test responses are also supplied.