Terry Stigdon

Consultant Delivers First Progress Report On DCS Evaluation

By Brandon Smith • Feb 1, 2018

An independent consultant’s evaluation of the Department of Child Services has taken small steps in its first month on the ground. The consultant delivered its first progress report on the assessment Thursday – an update that’s yielded more questions than answers.

The evaluation of DCS began Jan. 2 and consultant Sue Steib says it’s expected to end in June. Steib says her group has already identified an agency issue: an ineffective data system.

Holcomb Address Sets Specifics On Workforce, Touches On DCS

By Brandon Smith • Jan 9, 2018
Gov. Eric Holcomb (R-Ind.) delivers the 2018 State of the State address from the Indiana House Chamber. (Brandon Smith/IPB News)

Gov. Eric Holcomb sought in his State of the State to reassure Hoosiers his administration will do “whatever it takes” to fix problems at the Department of Child Services.

But Democratic legislative leaders say Holcomb’s address lacked boldness and leadership, particularly when it comes to the ongoing DCS crisis.

Governor Holcomb Names New DCS Director

By Jill Sheridan • Dec 28, 2017
Terry J. Stigdon (Photo courtesy of Gov. Eric Holcomb's office)

Gov. Eric Holcomb announced a new director for the Department of Child Services. He also called for a department assessment after the last director’s departure.

It was earlier this month when Judge Mary Beth Bonaventura sent a long resignation letter to the governor. In it she expressed her concern for the wellbeing of Hoosier children due to changes in the department, funding cuts and an increased number of children in the system.