From summer reading programs, organizing a petting zoo, and putting together book recommendations, Librarian Jen Parker-Hass has positively impacted young people and staff at Echo Glen. 

Last month, her dedication was recognized when she was awarded the 2024 Employee of the Year for the Library Division by the Office of the Secretary of State.

Assistant Secretary of Child Welfare Natalie Green and Child Care Licensing Supervisor Candace Latimer were recognized for their significant contributions during this year’s Governor’s Outstanding Leadership Award ceremony.

Natalie was recognized for strengthening child welfare services, reducing staff turnover and increasing placement with kin.  

Six years after the Family First Prevention Services Act (FFPSA) was first signed into law, states are assessing and updating their soon-to-be expired, mandatory prevention plans with one unified goal: keeping families together safely.  

This September, DCYF launched their Child Welfare Social Work Licensure Training and Support Program. This program provides individual and group clinical supervision hours for participants. It will also support interested individuals through the process of obtaining their Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker (LICSW) or Licensed Advanced Social Worker (LASW) licenses.