Missouri child welfare division head resigns after 3 months

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. -- The director of a division overseeing child welfare services in Missouri has resigned without explanation after only three months on the job.

Former Missouri Rep. David Wood, a Republican from Versailles, told the St. Louis Post-Dispatch on Monday he is no longer the director of the Division of Children's Services, which is part of the Department of Social Services.

He would not say why he left but said he signed a letter of resignation. A spokeswoman for Gov. Mike Parson said the office does not comment on personnel issues.

Department of Social Services spokeswoman Rebecca Woelfel said Joanie Rogers is now serving as interim director.

The division oversees child abuse and neglect issues, child care licensing, adoption and foster care for children.

Wood became director in mid-June after resigning his House seat. He could not have sought reelection because of term limits.

At the time, he said he wanted to bring stability to a division that had five directors in seven years.