Mr. Dowd has extensive professional experience in child welfare law and policy. Prior to joining OPD, Mr. Dowd worked for the Washington State Office of the Family and Children Ombudsman and investigated complaints regarding children in state care, and families involved with a state child welfare agency due to allegations of child abuse or neglect. Mr. Dowd also has 12 years experience as a public defense attorney, providing representation in dependency, termination of parental rights, and criminal proceedings. James Claude Upshaw ("Jamie") Downs, M.D.