VERMONTER NAMED NATIONAL “SOCIAL WORKER OF THE YEAR”

Recipient Has Been From Vermont for Five of Last Seven Years

Waterbury, Vt. – Underhill resident Chris Ward has been named the 2006 Social Worker of the Year by both the Vermont Foster and Adoptive Family Association (VFAFA) and by the National Foster Parent Association (NFPA).   The NFPA Social Worker of the Year has been from Vermont for five of the past seven years.  Chris was a social worker in the Department for Children and Families (DCF) Morrisville district office for the past five years and recently accepted a career opportunity with Casey Family Services.

“I am thrilled that the NFPA has selected Chris Ward for this prestigious award.  Chris’ outstanding work is an example to us all as we strive to meet the goal of our agency: to improve the conditions and well-being of Vermonters today and tomorrow and protect those who cannot protect themselves,” said Secretary of the Agency of Human Services Cynthia D. LaWare.  LaWare continued, “Chris’ selection is a testament to our innovative training programs through the Child Welfare Partnership.  All Vermonters should be proud that our social workers continue to set the standard for the country, and I am grateful to VFAFA and to NFPA for recognizing the hard work and dedication of our public servants.”

The Vermont Child Welfare Partnership was established in 1993 as a partnership between DCF and the Department of Social Work at the University of Vermont.  The partnership provides child welfare education and staff training, as well as training to Vermont’s foster and adoptive parents.  A child welfare traineeship program has enabled DCF employees to earn advanced degrees in social work.  Traineeships also provide financial support for future employees of DCF.  In combination, partnership programs have made it possible for DCF to hire and retain highly qualified social workers. 

DCF Commissioner Steve Dale noted, “Chris has established a reputation among his fellow social workers, foster families, community partners, and most importantly, the youth he works with, as being an outstanding professional with a clear focus on individual strengths and positive outcomes.  Chris’ connection to the youth he works with and his tireless motivation to positively affect their lives is truly outstanding.  He absolutely makes a difference to every person fortunate enough to work with him.”

“Vermont foster families are in an enviable situation, having such a wealth of outstanding social workers, social workers who are committed to making a difference in their support of foster parents,” said Karen Jorgenson, NFPA Executive Director.

Kimberly Ann Coe, President of VFAFA added, “The Vermont Foster and Adoptive Family Association is proud to once again have one of the outstanding social workers that we have recognized to also be recognized by the National Association.  Chris Ward has demonstrated that his priority is assuring the best outcomes for children and families and he achieves that through respectful, inclusive and strengths-focused collaborations.  Chris values the work of foster and adoptive families in the continuum of child protection and permanency and facilitates teamwork with clear vision and focus on the needs of the family.” 

Vermonters and DCF employees named NFPA’s Social Worker of the Year over the last seven years include:

Chris Ward, Morrisville District Office (2006)

Andrea Grimm, Middlebury District Office (2005)

Cathy Francis, St. Albans District Office (2004)

Judy Brassard, Barre District Office (2002)

Penny DeGoosh, Burlington District Office (2000)