The DCS Ombudsman Bureau was created in 2009 by the Indiana State Legislature. The Bureau has the authority to receive, investigate and attempt to resolve complaints concerning the actions of the Department of Child Services (DCS) and to make recommendations to improve the child welfare system. The Bureau operates independently of DCS and is housed in the Department of Administration.
DCS Ombudsman Information Line
877-682-0101 - Toll Free
317-232-3154 - Fax
DCSOmbudsman@idoa.in.gov
DCS Ombudsman Staff
File a Complaint
Before filing a formal complaint, the DCS Ombudsman Bureau requires that complainants attempt to address their issues at the local level, by contacting the appropriate family case manager, the family case manager supervisor, the division manager, and the local office director. Also, please review the Mission Statement, DCS Ombudsman Procedures and Rules of Engagement links provided below. To file a complaint online, click on the link below. To submit a paper form, download the pdf version of the Complaint Form below and mail to the address on the form.
Outreach
Organizations interested in learning more about the DCS Ombudsman Bureau may request a 30 minute on-site presentation. The presentation will include information about:
- The role and authority of the DCS Ombudsman Bureau
- What happens when a complaint is filed
- The investigative and review process
- What outcomes can be expected from an investigation
Please send your requests to DCSOmbudsman@idoa.in.gov or call 877-682-0101. Requests for presentations should include contact information, the event details, the anticipated number of attendees, the name of the organization, and a little background information about the organization requesting the presentation.
Links
For additional information concerning DCS Ombudsman Bureau operations, click on the topics below.
- Mission Statement
- Rules of Engagement
- Other Resources
- Frequently Asked Questions PDF
- DCS Ombudsman Procedures
- Department of Child Services Ombudsman Statute IC 4-13-19-3
- DCS Ombudsman Brochure
- DCS Ombudsman 2023 Annual Report
- DCS Ombudsman 2022 Annual Report
- DCS Ombudsman 2021 Annual Report
- DCS Ombudsman 2020 Annual Report
- DCS Ombudsman 2019 Annual Report
- DCS Ombudsman 2018 Annual Report
- DCS Ombudsman 2017 Annual Report
- DCS Ombudsman 2016 Annual Report
- DCS Ombudsman 2015 Annual Report
- DCS Ombudsman 2014 Annual Report
- DCS Ombudsman 2013 Annual Report
- DCS Ombudsman 2012 Annual Report
- DCS Ombudsman 2011 Annual Report
- DCS Ombudsman 2010 Annual Report
- DCS Study Committee Ombudsman Bureau Overview (9/5/2012)
- The Critical Initial Response: DCS Assessments
- DCS Responses to the Recommendations from the Ombudsman Interim Report