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Utah
Richard J. Anderson, L.C.S.W. |
Richard Anderson, first as Deputy Director of the Division of Child and Family Services and then in the capacity of Director since May 2001, has taken the initiative to recreate the world of child welfare in Utah. He facilitated the development of the Milestone Plan, which was accepted by the Federal Court, helping to set high goals where there previously were no national standards. He brought together a team to facilitate moving forward the development of the Practice Model, which has led to the creation of new and better ways of working with children and families. In his quiet and determined style, Mr. Anderson has fought bravely with the legislature, the press, and the public to achieve better outcomes for children and families. He also has made a significant contribution to creating the trust necessary for stronger and more effective partnerships. Mr. Anderson has led the Division through several budget crises to workable, although not easy, solutions. He proficiently uses the Practice Model skills of engaging, teaming, assessing, planning, and intervening as he leads the Division of Child and Family Services in a direction that is positive, solution-focused and builds upon people's strengths. Mr. Anderson seeks and willingly accepts opportunities to educate, engage, and team with community leaders to build a better understanding of child welfare. Nationally, he is becoming known as a leader in the effort to build a child welfare system of care that engages the private sector and public agencies, families and employees in recognizing that they are a critical part of the "system of care," and that only by working together can great outcomes be achieved for the children of Utah.