Newly released federal figures show a sharp rise in child abuse fatalities in the U.S., with the bulk of the increase occurring in two states—Indiana and Texas—where child-welfare agencies have been in disarray.
Politicizing this issue doesn’t help us develop a better solution.
Mary Beth Bonaventura, who's stepping down after five years as director of the Department of Child Services, warned in her resignation letter to Gov. Eric Holcomb that a continuation of his administration's policies will "all but ensure children will die."
Mary Beth Bonaventura takes over an agency marked by high caseworker turnover and roiled by news investigations into its handling of abuse and neglect cases.
The incoming director of the Indiana Department of Child Services says her goals include figuring out how to reduce caseworker burnout and working with the Legislature to improve the agency's operations and the welfare of children.
Lake Juvenile Court Judge Mary Beth Bonaventura has told Gov. Mike Pence that she needs a few more weeks to wrap up her cases.
Gov. Mike Pence turned to the top judge of one toughest juvenile court systems in the state to lead the troubled Indiana Department of Child Services, naming Lake County's Mary Beth Bonaventura to direct the agency Wednesday.
