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ACYF Commissioner's Award Book

Welcome to the ACYF Commissioner's Award Book page. Below you will find a Message from the Acting Commissioner, an Introduction summarizing the purpose of the Commissioner's Awards, and a list of the 50 States and territories that selected honorees. Click on a State or territory to see a picture of the recipient and read a summary of his or her contributions to the field.

Commissioner's Letter

MESSAGE FROM THE ACTING COMMISSIONER

It is a great pleasure to welcome you to the 2001 ceremony marking the Commissioner's Award. The Award recognizes those who have made outstanding contributions toward the prevention, intervention and treatment of child abuse and neglect.

The theme of this year's conference, "Faces of Change - Embracing Diverse Cultures and Alternative Approaches," proclaims exactly what Commissioner's Award honorees are doing every day: recognizing that our diversity allows us to bring a multitude of approaches to bear on key issues in the field of child abuse and neglect. Their work, while at times frustrating and disheartening, can also be rewarding, and it is vital to easing the plight of so many children and families. I salute their dedication and would like to assure them that they are making a difference.

Therefore on behalf of the Administration on Children, Youth and Families, I extend my sincere thanks and congratulations to each of the honorees, and wish them continued success in this challenging and important work.

James A. Harrell Acting Commissioner Administration on Children, Youth and Families

Introduction

The Commissioner's Award Ceremony is one of the highlights of our national conferences on child abuse and neglect. It provides us with the opportunity to reflect on the achievements of exceptional people from across the United States who have made outstanding contributions to the field. Through their efforts, local communities and entire states have made major strides in helping to ensure that all children can be safe in strong families who love and protect them from harm. In some cases, the influence of these award recipients has extended nationally and even internationally.

All those being recognized at the Commissioner's Award Ceremony have had the honor of being nominated by the Governors of their respective states as worthy recipients of this prestigious award. This year, 50 states and territories have selected honorees. Among them are 29 women and 20 men, working as professionals and volunteers - and many working in both capacities. Most are social workers and protective service workers serving on the front line and as supervisors and administrators. We also have three judges, four physicians, and a state senator. For the first time, we have a group receiving the award: the Kentucky Association of Children's Advocacy Centers, whose member directors have been recognized by the governor as having contributed substantially to the well-being of children and families in the State. Finally, the State of Missouri nominated the late Governor Mel Carnahan, who was killed in a plane crash last fall. Tonight, we honor him posthumously.

This is a very special group - people who are leaders in their field, teachers, trainers, and advocates. Several have worked to change laws governing child maltreatment; many are innovators who have started new programs and changed the service delivery systems in their communities; and many have excelled in the direct service and support they provide to children and families in need. They reflect the complexity of the field and the spirit of interdisciplinary cooperation. We congratulate them on their achievements, and we know that they will continue to make major contributions to the cause of protecting our nation's children from abuse and neglect.

Updated on July 3, 2008