An Indianapolis woman with more than 25 years experience in child welfare, social work and family counseling will be the state
s first Department of Child Services ombudsman.

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 earned her undergraduate degree from Northern Illinois University and her master
s degree from Butler University.

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