The Public Advocate keeps an open line of communication with New Jersey citizens through its Office of Citizen Relations. The division investigators respond to complaints about state agencies and local governments. They educate citizens on the most effective government service for a particular problem. If a state agency fails to respond, Citizen Relations staff advocate on behalf of citizens to resolve disputes.

TheOffice of Dispute Settlement and the Corrections Ombudsman are also located in this division. The Office of Dispute Settlement provides neutral mediation services to resolve a wide variety of disputes, including those brought by individuals seeking access to government records under the Open Public Records Act and claims under the New Home Warranty Act. This office also serves as court-appointed mediator and provides dispute resolution training.

The Office of the Corrections Ombudsman addresses issues, problems or complaints of those confined to the New Jersey state correctional system.