Some Question New DCS Ombudsman's Objectivity

INDIANAPOLIS -- A child advocacy group is raising concerns about the connections of a woman charged with overseeing the Indiana Department of Child Services.

Gov. Mitch Daniels named Susan Hoppe, a Marion County social worker with more than 25 years of child welfare experience, as the ombudsman for the department last week, 6News' Joanna Massee reported.

Some child advocates said they fear that Hoppe’s work with the county and the state will prevent her from being a truly independent monitor.

"We understand that she’s an insider. That's always cause for concern," said Dawn Robertson, the spokeswoman for the group Honk for Kids.

Hoppe worked in the same system as current DCS director James Payne for several years. Payne served as a juvenile court judge in Marion County, while Hoppe served as division manager for the Marion County Office of Family and Children.

Earlier in her career, Hoppe was a policy consultant with Indiana's Family and Social Services Administration.

Still, she said her experience makes her a good fit for the job.

"I would say that you can't get anyone more impartial than I am," Hoppe said. "My history with Judge Payne was many, many years ago."

Legislators created the DCS ombudsman position during the 2009 session after families clamored for more oversight of the department.

Lawmakers said they believe Hoppe will be an asset to DCS.

"I think they have to give that individual the benefit of the doubt because I believe she will absolutely do her best," said Sen. Travis Holdman, R-Markle.

"We have no concerns whatsoever," said Daniels' Press Secretary Jane Jankowski.

Hoppe will begin her new position Dec. 14.