INDIANAPOLIS (January 17, 2007) - The Indiana Department of Child Services (DCS) prepares today to welcome 14 new graduates. The Indiana Department of Child Servicesÿ¿ Child Welfare Training Institute will graduate 14 new family case managers at 2:00 pm, Wednesday, January 17, 2007 at the Indiana State Library. The public are invited to join the ceremony.

"This is an exciting time for children and families in the State of Indiana. We are proud to welcome 14 new members to our team." said James W. Payne, Director.

The family case managers began the training program immediately after being sworn in as State employees on October 1, 2006. After they graduate, the new family case managers will begin working with children and families in local DCS offices in Daviess, Dubois, Gibson, Greene, Knox, Perry/Spencer, Vanderburgh, and Vigo Counties.

"The commitment of these new staff will assist in protecting our most vulnerable population. There are few more important things than protecting children," said Stephanie Beasley, Deputy Director of Field Operations.

The Department of Child Services was established in January 2005 by an executive order of the Governor, Mitch E. Daniels, to better care for children by providing more direct attention and oversight in two critical areas: protection of children and child support enforcement.

Two years ago, the legislature authorized the hiring of 400 new child protection case managers as well as additional training. On Friday, July 1, 2005 the Indiana Department of Child Services became an official agency. That following Monday, July 5, 2005 the first group of new family case managers began training under new standards. DCS hopes that an additional 400 family case managers will be approved by the legislature in 2007 in order to bring caseloads down to 12 and 17.

The Department of Child Services protects children and strengthens families through services that focus on family support and preservation. The department administers child support, child protection, adoption and foster care throughout the state of Indiana. The mission of the department is to protect children from abuse and neglect by partnering with families and communities to provide safe, nurturing, and stable homes.

To find out more about how to apply to be a family case manager please visit http://www.in.gov/dcs/jobs/index.html. Bi-lingual individuals are encouraged to apply.<

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