In 2005, Gov. Mitch Daniels began work to improve the lives of Hoosier children. On his second day in office, Gov. Daniels created the Department of Child Services. He has since instituted more reforms to focus on helping children. One change was hiring almost 900 additional family case workers, giving case workers more time to devote to children in need. Another change is the requirement that case workers must have degrees in social work or a related field, which means children receive more knowledgeable attention. Case worker training has been increased as well. But there are still more changes that could be made to make our focus truly be on the children. As a state representative, one of the most recurring issues I hear about from constituents is that they are unable to clearly communicate with the DCS. Sometimes, a parent or grandparent needs information from the DCS, but getting that information can be difficult for someone unaccustomed to dealing with government agencies. With the goal of doing what's best for children, I co-authored House Bill 1602, which would create a DCS ombudsman. It passed the House by a 98-0 vote and was sent to the Senate. An ombudsman would mediate between the DCS and the child, parents or legal guardian. The ombudsman would know how DCS works and would be able to talk personally with the family to determine what needs to be done. Of course, the focus would be on creating the best situation for the child. An ombudsman would increase transparency and confidence in decisions made on behalf of children. Six Indiana agencies have ombudsmen, including agencies with programs for Hoosiers in nursing homes, who have mental health disabilities and who have difficulties when applying for Medicaid or food stamps. I hope a conference committee on House Bill 1602 will put the Department of Child Services on that list as well. Creating an ombudsman is another good step in Indiana's overall focus on increasing children's quality of life. Indiana is a state where a child's voice will be loud and strong. Please feel free to contact me with your questions and concerns. I can be reached via e-mail at h78@in.gov, by calling 1-800-382-9841 or by writing to me at the Statehouse, 200 W. Washington St, Indianapolis, IN 46204.
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