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Oregon
Don Darland |
Don Darland's efforts to prevent child abuse and neglect are inspiring as are his significant volunteer efforts in the community to address the problems of child maltreatment and his outstanding contributions to improving the lives of abused or neglected children. For 12 years, Mr. Darland has been a foster parent to over 50 children ranging in age from birth through adolescence. His belief in the importance of relationships is evident in the close connection he maintains with many of his foster children after they leave his home. Mr. Darland also has worked with birth parents to enable them to maintain the bond with their children while in placement. For one birth mother, he provided the opportunity to spend up to six hours daily in his home in order to care for her infant who was at risk for Sudden Infant Death Syndrome. Perceived as a humble and gracious individual who always focuses on the good in others and strives to help people bring out the best in themselves, Mr. Darland advocates for the needs of children through his involvement with numerous boards and committees: Current President and Past Vice-President of the Oregon Foster Parent Association; Past President of the Linn County Foster Parent Association; member, Linn County Commission on Children and Families; Chair, Children's Justice Act Task Force; member, Children, Adults, and Families Advisory Board. In addition, he manages to work for Portland State University, providing consultation and training services for foster parents. Mr. Darland advocates on behalf of abused and neglected children and foster parents with the Oregon legislature and the governor's office. With his boundless positive outlook, the inspirational Mr. Darland has contributed much of his life to helping others.