DCS central office has undergone a major re-organization, in the wake of the current lawsuits filed regarding child death investigations.     Two new deputy commissioners, one for child health and one for child safety, are starting work with the agency, as part of newly created oversight positions.    These positions will be focused on training DCS child protective services workers and strengthening the agency's child death investigatory process.

Currently the agency is being headed by interim Commissioner, Jim Henry, who took over the administration of the agency around February 5, 2013, when Kate O'Day, the previous commissioner, resigned.     Ms. O'Day had 6 positions reporting directly to her, and now due to the restructuring and shuffling of positions, Mr. Henry has 15 positions reporting directly to him.     The main focus of the $630 million dollar agency is now going to be child safety

Yesterday morning, the Hamilton County Commission announced its choice for the interim Hamilton County Juvenile Court Judge--Robert Philyaw.     He won a decisive victory, winning 5 Commission votes.  Curtis Bowe received 3 votes and Troy McDougal received 1.     Philyaw is a solo practitioner, focusing on estate and probate, litigation, and criminal defense.

Philyaw will serve until the new Judge is elected in August 2014.    He graduated from the University of Memphis School of Law in 2001 and has served as a municipal Judge in Graysville.