DCS case manager files lawsuit against agency over caseload

INDIANAPOLIS (AP) – A Department of Child Services family case manager who says her caseload is more than twice what Indiana law allows has filed a lawsuit contending the excessive work makes doing her job extremely difficult and puts children at risk.

The Indianapolis Star reports the American Civil Liberties Union of Indiana filed the lawsuit Tuesday on behalf of DCS family case manager Mary Price and all other DCS family case managers.

A message seeking comment on the lawsuit was left Tuesday for DCS spokesman James Wide by The Associated Press.

The lawsuit says Price is handling 43 ongoing cases. Indiana law requires family case managers to handle no more than 17 ongoing cases or 12 initial assessments. The case managers investigate allegations of abuse and neglect of children.

DCS Director, Mary Beth Bonaventura issued this statement:

Lawsuits are distractions from the essential efforts underway to help children in need. Our commitment to Hoosier children is genuine and resolute, and we are 100 percent engaged in hiring more caseworkers and increasing training opportunities as directed by Governor Pence and the 2015 General Assembly. By July 27, we will have hired all of the newly-created positions for our 100 Family Case Managers and their training will then commence immediately. DCS is working diligently to bring help and hope to children affected by the tragedy of child abuse.”