Heather Andress is the Deputy Chief Counsel for Region 14 with the Indiana Department of Child Services (DCS).  She graduated from IU in 2008 with a Bachelor of Arts in Criminal Justice and a minor in Sociology.  Since graduation, Heather has found and followed her passion helping children and families.  “Returning to DCS as an attorney has given me the fulfillment of making a difference in my community, helping children and families, and practicing law in a meaningful way.”

Heather’s career started as a Family Case Manager with the Indiana Department of Child Services, investigating reports of child abuse and neglect, attending court hearings with families involved with DCS, and managing cases while rehabilitating families and children.  In 2012, she left to attend law school at North Kentucky University where she also participated in a Children’s Law Clinic representing youth in special education cases and juvenile delinquency matters.  She remained as a fellow with the Center until she received her Juris Doctor Degree in 2015.  Admitted to the Kentucky Bar, Heather spent a brief time handling custody and divorce matters in private practice.  Her connection to Indiana was strong and, after being admitted to the Indiana Bar in 2017, she returned to DCS as an Adoption Assistance Negotiator.  In 2018 she was given the opportunity to return to her hometown and became a Local Office Attorney in Region 14 and was promoted to Deputy Chief Counsel for the region in 2021.  Heather says, “As a Deputy Chief, I train new attorneys and Family Case managers on the legal matters applicable to their jobs.  I provide support and coaching to our legal assistants and attorneys within the Region, which includes five counties (Bartholomew, Jackson, Jennings, Johnson, Shelby).”