GOP Hacksaw to DCS Risks Lives of Hoosier Children, INDems Demand Action
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Indiana Democratic Party
Contact: Sam Barloga, 219-671-8662
April 22, 2025
On Monday, Republicans in the Indiana General Assembly discussed the latest version of HB1001, the Indiana State Budget. The final version is being negotiated by their supermajorities behind closed doors.
In addition to numerous other agency cuts, this bill was recently amended to remove caseload limits for Department of Child Services (DCS) caseworkers.
Indiana Democratic Party Chair Karen Tallian released the following statement urging Gov. Braun to reverse course:
“As this legislative session comes to a close, Braun and his GOP give Hoosiers yet another reason to question their leadership. Their aggressive crusade to dismantle our state government has now come for DCS, the agency which investigates claims of child abuse and neglect. Its case workers are responsible for the safety of these children.
“In 2017, former DCS head Mary Beth Bonaventura resigned in frustration over continuous cuts to DCS budget, saying, ‘I choose to resign, rather than be complicit in decreasing the safety, permanency and well being of children who have nowhere else to turn.’
“Once again, GOP budget cuts threaten the lives of Hoosier children who need DCS. After many years of shameful mismanagement and the tragic death of many children, it is clear that the state must invest more in DCS, not less. Case workers are overwhelmed. There have been many bipartisan attempts to address this problem but Braun, Beckwith and the Indiana GOP have instead taken a hacksaw to the DCS budget, leaving Hoosier children at risk.
“Governor Braun, don’t you know the history? Removing caseload limits on DCS caseworkers makes the problem worse and puts Hoosier children at risk. Are you really willing to do that during Child Abuse Prevention Month? There are just days left in the legislative session. Use your power as governor to reverse these changes and save DCS!”
