Lucy Hadi, the embattled secretary of the Florida Department of Children & Families, abruptly resigned this afternoon, ending a weeks-long siege over her agency's decision to ignore court orders to treat mentally ill jail inmates -- and ending her chances of remaining secretary under Governor-elect Charlie Crist.

Hadi announced her decision this afternoon, said Al Zimmerman, DCF's spokesman in Tallahassee. A long-time state social service administrator and former chief of staff to Lt. Gov. Toni Jennings, Hadi had been hoping to remain DCF chief under Crist, and appeared to be lobbying for the job in recent weeks.

''We can confirm that Secretary Hadi has submitted a letter of resignation to Gov. Bush today,'' Zimmerman said. ``This was the secretary's decision, and she feels like if she is going to retire, that this was a good time to do it.''

The resignation will be effective the end of January, Zimmerman said. The move leaves wide open the race to become the agency's next chief. Some observers had viewed Hadi -- widely regarded as competent, energetic and loyal to Republican administrations -- as a clear frontrunner.

Hadi's announcement occured only hours after she met with Crist's human services transition team. The interview was one of several meetings of candidates who have expressed an interest in high-level jobs within Crist's administration.

Last month, Pinellas Circuit Judge Crockett Farnell ordered Hadi to appear before him this month and explain why she should not be held in criminal contempt of court for repeatedly ignoring orders to take mentally ill jail inmates into DCF psychiatric hospitals for treatment.

And today, the state House of Representatives' Democratic caucus called the plight of inmates with mental illness an ''escalating crisis.'' In a letter to Crist and leaders of the House and Senate, the caucus said DCF ``may be in violation of state law.''

''Several courts are poised to order the department to correct this problem or face punitive sanctions,'' the caucus wrote. ``It is critical for the department to act swiftly in moving mentally ill inmates to the proper facilities so they are properly cared for while in state custody.''

Hadi declined to discuss her decision with reporters Friday. Her agency

''It has been an honor to serve the people of Florida as a member of your team,'' Hadi wrote in her letter to the governor.

``The decision to retire from state service does not mean that I have decided to care less passionately about the Floridians who depend on DCF to deliver or fund services. Nor will I ever cease to care about and advocate for the wonderful team of dedicated staff and partners who deliver those services.

''However, it is time for me to do my advocacy from a different place,'' she added.

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