13 WTHR IndianapolisReport: Calls to child ombudsman rose 42 percent

Report: Calls to child ombudsman rose 42 percent

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INDIANAPOLIS -

A new state report shows that calls seeking help from Indiana's child services ombudsman increased 42 percent between 2010 and 2011.

The Indianapolis Star reports that Tuesday's annual report from the independent watchdog shows that state Department of Child Services Ombudsman Susan Hoppe investigated 64 cases last year. In 20 of them, she issued findings that the state agency made missteps in protecting children from abuse and neglect.

The report also says the ombudsman bureau opened fewer cases last year because more complaints were resolved before taking that formal step.

The report covered the second year of operation of the bureau, which state lawmakers created in response to growing calls for more accountability and oversight of the state's Department of Child Services.

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