Scandal prompts Ind. Director of Child Services to resign

Gov. Mitch Daniels accepted the resignation Monday of Judge Jim Payne as director of the Department of Child Services.

Democrat gubernatorial candidate John Gregg, along with members of a legislative committee having hearings concerning the DCS, called for Payne’s resignation.

Their statements followed an Indianapolis Star investigation highlighting reports that Payne violated the department’s ethical guidelines in a child neglect case involving his grandchildren and former daughter-in-law.

The agency’s code of conduct forbids agency staff from involving themselves in personal or private interests, including cases involving family members.

“It is clear that the story of my family’s personal circumstances will continue to be public and that there is no concern by those about the impact this will have, especially on my grandchildren,” Payne said in his resignation letter.

“I will not allow this personal family tragedy to be misused to distort the positive performance of all DCS employees, which has been recognized across the nation as one of the biggest turnaround stories.”

Daniels selected DCS Chief of Staff John Ryan to serve as director of the department and immediately assume responsibilities, according to a press release.

Daniels said in a press release that the attacks on Payne’s records have ranged from innocently ignorant to despicably political and self-interested.

“His resignation does not alter the plain truth that thousands of Indiana children are better off and many are alive only because of the passionate and devoted leadership of this fine public servant,” Daniels said in the release.

— Mark Keierleber