An Indianapolis woman with nearly three decades of experience working in child welfare, social work, and family counseling has been named the state's first Department of Child Services ombudsman. Gov. Mitch Daniels announced the selection Nov. 13.

Susan Hoppe, who has spent the last nine years as a social worker with Marion Circuit and Superior courts, will start in the new role Dec. 14. The position of ombudsman was created during the 2009 legislative session and will be an independent evaluator in the safety and welfare of children in the state.

Hoppe also previously worked at the Marion County Office of Family and Child Services in several positions, including as manager of a staff of 50 employees who investigated reports of child abuse and neglect and provided services to children.

She helped create the Marion County Child Advocacy Center and assisted in initiating the 24/7 coverage of Child Protection Services workers.

In the beginning of her career, Hoppe was a policy consultant with the Family and Social Services Administration when the agency was responsible for child services programs. She received her undergraduate degree from Northern Illinois University and her master's degree from Butler University.