Published: September 07, 2008 08:19 am            

Floyd County's child services has new home

New location is at 824 University Woods Drive

The Indiana Department of Child Services, Floyd County Division, has a new home.

Well, not exactly.

The department has moved back to 824 University Woods Drive in New Albany, its previous home. For the past eight years it was located at 1421 E. Elm St.

Floyd County Office Director John Barksdale said when child services and Division of Family Resources split, it was time to look for another location.

“When they split, half the building left. We had a huge building and didn’t need that much space,” Barksdale said. “Plus, our lease was getting ready to run out.”

Barksdale said there were 50 employees in the old setup, but now there are only 24 in his department, which deals with child protection services and child neglect.

Barksdale has been the Floyd County director since 1988 and has been in the department for 38 years.

“This office is much more conducive to what we do,” he said. “We are closer to the youth shelter and we do a lot of work with them.”

The Family Resource Division is now located along Eighth Street in the Nugent Building.

Barksdale hosted an open house for his new facility Thursday. He said it has been completely remodeled since the last time he worked at that location.

“The only reservation I have is the road work that will take place on Grant Line Road next year. That may make it difficult to get to our office,” Barksdale said.

The old property along Elm Street was not only too spacious, but Barksdale said his office dealt with flooding twice in eight years.

The vacant building, which was built in 1966 and remodeled in 2000, also was home to Evans Furniture at one time. The property is listed with Jesse Ballew Enterprises.

• Barksdale said his office is collecting books for foster children. The books will be placed in backpacks donated by the Indianapolis Colts. He said there also will be a donation box located at the Kids’ Day tent during Harvest Homecoming.

        

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