INDIANAPOLIS (AP) - An Indianapolis woman with more than 25 years experience in child welfare, social work and family counseling will be the first ombudsman of Indiana's Department of Child Services.

Susan Hoppe will begin her work Dec. 14. She was appointed Friday by Gov. Mitch Daniels.

The governor's office says Hoppe has spent her career as a caseworker, manager and counselor on child and family issues such
as custody evaluations, child abuse and neglect and family advocacy.

Hoppe received a bachelor's degree from Northern Illinois University and a master's degree from Butler University.

The ombudsman position was created during this year's legislative session as an independent evaluator of the safety and welfare of Indiana children.

(Copyright 2009 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)

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