Director of Indiana Department of Child Services Honored for Improving Child Welfare

SEATTLE, Jan. 25, 2012 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Casey Family Programs, a national operating foundation committed to improving the lives of children and families in communities across America, has named Judge James W. Payne, director of the Indiana Department of Child Services, among the winners of the annual Casey Excellence for Children Awards.

The foundation gives the awards to recognize outstanding individuals who have demonstrated distinguished work, exceptional leadership and relentless dedication in improving the child welfare system.

Director Payne received the Excellence in Leadership award. The award recognizes a current child welfare commissioner or director who has demonstrated excellence in leading a child welfare agency toward improved outcomes for children and families.

James Payne speaks frequently around the country on issues of delinquency, abuse and neglect, case management, and juvenile justice practice and policy. He currently oversees an agency with 3,000 employees responsible for child protection services and child support.

Prior to being appointed in 2004, he served 20 years as the Juvenile Court Judge in Marion County, Indiana. Judge Payne was featured in "For Their Own Good," a Dateline NBC and MSNBC documentary addressing child abuse and neglect cases in the Marion County Juvenile Court. This involved allowing cameras to record the hearings and events of abuse and neglect cases, and explaining to the public the efforts provided by courts and the system to protect children, preserve families and provide permanency.

He is a member of the Child Welfare League of America, American Public Human Services Association and the National Council of Juvenile and Family Court Judges.

"James Payne carries the banner for countless others across the nation who are doing extraordinary work on behalf of those involved in the foster care system," said Shelia Evans-Tranumn, chair of the Board of Trustees of Casey Family Programs. "He shares our goal to have every child grow up in a healthy, safe and permanent family, and within a supportive community."

Casey Family Programs is the nation's largest operating foundation focused entirely on foster care and improving the child welfare system. Founded in 1966, we work to provide and improve – and ultimately prevent the need for – foster care in the United States. As champions for change, we are committed to our 2020 Strategy for America's Children, a goal to safely reduce the number of children in foster care and improve the lives of those who remain in care.

SOURCE Casey Family Programs