DECATUR, Ind.—The Indiana Department of Child Services announced today Melissa Hayden has been appointed local office director of the Adams County office of DCS.  In her new role Melissa will set goals and objectives for child welfare management helping to ensure children are protected from abuse or neglect.  In addition, she’ll oversee a staff of eight including five family case managers.  She’ll also handle general office operations. 

“We’re happy Melissa will be managing day-to-day operations in Adams County,” said Dave Judkins, DCS’ Deputy Director of Field Operations.  “With an abundance of practical experience working with abused and neglected children as well as several years of supervisory and management know-how, Melissa is well equipped to be a true leader and serve her county well.”

An Indiana native, Melissa was born in Union City and spent most of her childhood in Portland graduating from Jay County High School.  She completed her undergraduate studies at Indiana University/Purdue University Ft. Wayne (IPFW) and received her Master’s in Social Work from Indiana University/Purdue University Indianapolis. 

Starting with the Jay County Youth Services Bureau in 2000, she took a position as a family case manager at the Decatur County office of the Dept. of Child Services in 2003.  She was promoted to supervisor in 2005 and served in that capacity until 2010 when she was promoted to Decatur County local office director.

Melissa began her new duties in Adams County Oct. 15.

The Adams County office of the Indiana Department of Child Services is located at 720 13^th Street, Suite 1in Decatur.  Phone number:  260.724.9169.  To report child abuse or neglect, call the Child Abuse and Neglect Hotline:  800.800.5556. 

About Indiana Department of Child Services (DCS):

DCS is committed to protecting children who are victims of abuse or neglect.  The agency’s primary goal is to safely keep these children at home with their families by offering appropriate support services.  If safety continues to be a concern, children are placed with relatives or in foster care.  DCS also oversees adoptions from the foster care system and manages the Child Support Bureau.  The Kids First Trust Fund, supported by the sale of ‘Kids First’ specialty automobile license plates, subsidizes programs designed to prevent child abuse and neglect.  Indiana Child Abuse/Neglect Hotline:  800.800.5556.   www.in.gov/dcs.