Gov. Eric J. Holcomb announced that he has selected Shoshanna Everhart as the ombudsman for Department of Child Services (DCS).

Everhart has 40 years of child welfare experience, including in child protection, child welfare services, adoption and foster care. She previously served at DCS as the director of the Rush County office, a Shelby County child welfare supervisor, and a Shelby County case manager.

After her time with the department, Everhart practiced clinical social work in a variety of settings including a hospital, schools, and in homes. She has also taught graduate courses at the Indiana University School of Social Work. She currently works as a psychotherapist at Major Health Partners in Shelbyville.

Everhart earned an undergraduate degree from the University of Indianapolis and a masters of social work from Indiana University.

The DCS Ombudsman Bureau was created in 2009 by the Indiana State General Assembly. The bureau has the authority to receive, investigate and resolve complaints concerning the actions of DCS and to make recommendations to improve the child welfare system. The bureau operates independently of DCS and is housed in the Indiana Department of Administration.

The former ombudsman, Alfreda Singleton-Smith, departed in July. Everhart will begin her new position on Sept. 14.