Dear Editor:
This is a response to a story relating to the termination of the DCS director, Margery Justice. We feel the public needs to know the positive aspects of her career.
We have each been on the Wabash County Child Protection Team for over thirty years as members and coordinators. We have worked very close with Margery Justice and the Indiana Department of Family and Children’s Services case workers.
Marge has been instrumental in developing public awareness of child and family abuse over her tenure, promoting a 4H booth for many years, “Kids First”, “Kids are Beary Special”,” April Awareness Month”” and well as last year’s inaugural” Shamrock Shuffle” 5k run, not to mention Terry Hall Body Safety programs in every county school. These as well as many other abuse awareness program, gained the Wabash County Child Protection recognition on the state level with many other county child protection teams copying our lead. Through her effort the Child Protection Team was selected by the governor a few years ago to assist in chart review of Child Fatalities in Indiana, which brought us the governor’s thanks and appreciation. Margery has been recognized on local, regional and state levels for her tireless work, protecting families and promoting abuse awareness.
She started her leadership as temporary director of the Welfare Department after the tragic death of Judy Mason thirty years ago. She has simultaneously directed several other county departments, while fulfilling her duties at the Wabash Office. At the time of her termination she was working as the Miami County director as well as Wabash.
Margery Justice has dedicated her adult life to fighting family and child abuse. To our knowledge, she has an exemplary work record. We are disappointed that she was not asked to resign or retire, instead of being front page news. Whoever replaces her will have big shoes to fill.
James P McCann MD
Les Templin, County Commissioner ret
David Blanke MSW
Terri Weaver
L. Paul Karst