Director's Biography
Director
Indiana Department of Child Services
Judge Mary Beth Bonaventura, Director of the Department of Child Services, was recently appointed by Governor Mike Pence.
Judge Bonaventura brings a wealth of knowledge and experience, most recently serving as Senior Judge of the Lake Superior Court, Juvenile Division--one of the toughest juvenile court systems in the state. Judge Bonaventura was appointed Senior Judge in 1993 by then-Governor Evan Bayh after having served more than a decade as Magistrate in the Juvenile Court.
Since the start of her career in the Juvenile Court, Judge Bonaventura has been recognized for her dedication and outstanding service to children. In 2008, Governor Mitch Daniels appointed her a member of the Indiana Commission on Disproportionality in Youth Services. In 2009, she was named Chair of the Civil Rights of Children Committee for the Indiana State Bar Association and the Chief Justice appointed her as Chair of the Child Welfare Improvement Committee.
"Judge Bonaventura is uniquely qualified to lead the state's Department of Child Services and help to protect Hoosier children from abuse and neglect," said Governor Pence. "She is a strong leader who has an impeccable reputation of integrity and compassion for children."
A life-long Lake County resident, Judge Bonaventura was born in East Chicago. She received her undergraduate degree from Marian University in Indianapolis and her Juris Doctorate degree from Northern Illinois University in DeKalb, Illinois.
Stay Connected
- Make a child abuse or neglect report
- Leave my infant at a safe place (Safe Haven Law)
- Get help for a child or family in my community (Community Partners)
- Find my Local DCS Office and Director
- Contact my Regional Manager
- Give money to the Kids First Trust Fund
- Contact a representative of DCS regarding child protection
- Apply for a Job with DCS
- Find the guidelines for Child Support
- Collect or pay child support
- Establish Paternity
- Contact a Child Support Representative
