Missouri's Social Services director resigns

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. -- The director of Missouri's Department of Social Services has resigned, one week after Gov. Bob Holden ordered a reorganization of her agency because of troubles in the state's foster care system.

In a resignation letter Monday to the governor, Katherine Martin said she supported Holden's restructuring and would be going to work for a national foundation that focuses on social services and financing innovations for child welfare.

Martin was not asked to resign, said Holden spokesman Mary Still.

Holden appointed deputy director Steve Renne to serve as the agency's acting director. The Social Services Department is Missouri's largest agency, receiving about 28 percent of the state's budget while overseeing its Medicaid, welfare, foster care and child support enforcement programs.

A department spokeswoman said Martin was not in the office Monday and was unavailable for comment. Her resignation letter indicated she would aid in a transition for the director's position for the next few weeks.