|
Prevent Child Abuse Indiana
2013 Fall Workshops are in the planning stages
No one can do everything. But everyone can do something. And together, we can do anything. Together, we can prevent child abuse!
Prevent Child Abuse Indiana is dedicated to preventing child abuse and neglect, and is committed to making Indiana a better, safer place for Indiana's most precious resources - our children. With strong support of active councils throughout the state, we work together to:
- Increase awareness of the problem and inform communities about solutions.
- Serve as a valuable resource for families, individuals and organizations.
- Advocate for expanded and improved programs and policies to prevent child abuse.
- Foster a statewide network committed to child abuse prevention.
Please report all child abuse and neglect by calling
1-800-800-5556
Suspected child abuse or neglect should be reported to Child Protective Services (CPS). They operate a 24-hour, 7-day a week hotline: 1-800-800-5556. There is also a local number for every county listed at the CPS website http://www.in.gov/dcs/2372.htm
Our office does NOT take abuse/neglect report calls.
Ombuds-what?! The DCS Ombudsman Bureau and its Role in the Indiana Child Welfare System
Since 2009, the DCS Ombudsman Bureau has been receiving, investigating, and attempting to resolve complaints against the Department of Child Services. However, few people even know what an ombudsman is, much less the function of the DCS Ombudsman Bureau. The term “ombudsman” is a Swedish term for an appointed government official who investigates or resolves citizens’ complaints, reports findings, and provides recommendations to a state agency.
In 2009, pursuant to Indiana Code 4-13-19, Governor Mitch Daniels appointed Director Susan Hoppe to be the first DCS Ombudsman; since then, Director Hoppe has added two full-time Assistant Ombudsmen.
So, what does the ombudsman do? The DCS Ombudsman has the statutory authority to receive, investigate, and attempt to resolve a complaint that alleges the Department of Child Services, by an action or omission, failed to protect the physical or mental health or safety of any child or failed to follow specific laws, rules, or written policies. The DCS Ombudsman may also examine policies and procedures, evaluate the effectiveness of the child protection system, and provide recommendations to improve the system. Further, the DCS Ombudsman Bureau is an independent agency that is housed within the Indiana Department of Administration that provides unbiased and independent review of issues regarding DCS.
Anyone who believes DCS failed to protect the health or safety of a child, or failed to follow laws, rules or written procedure, may file a complaint with the DCS Ombudsman Bureau.
For more information, please visit http://www.in.gov/idoa/2610.htm or call 1-877-682-0101.
Prevent Child Abuse America has released its Annual Report for 2011. The report is chock full of useful information about national and local initiatives, as well as the National Movement for America’s Children. To get your own copy, click here!
|
|
