National Awards Program

CWLA is accepting National Awards nominations for our 2015 National Conference to be held April 27 -29, 2015 at the Crystal Gateway Marriott, Arlington, VA. The CWLA awards program is designed to encourage excellence and innovation in serving children and families who are vulnerable and to acknowledge the various stakeholder groups that are committed to advancing excellence in child welfare. We are especially interested in honoring individuals and organizations that embody the principles of the CWLA National Blueprint for Excellence in Child Welfare which has a critical focus on advancing child welfare services that are linked to and operate in partnership with families and communities.

As always, we need the active involvement of our member agencies to identify the exceptional individuals and organizations that positively impact your work, deserve this national level recognition, and will serve as a role model to others.

In order to allow time for a through nominating process and so that successful nominees have time to plan to attend the conference and receive their recognition in-person, nominations should be submitted by January 7, 2015.

The 2015 National Conference Awards include:

Anna Quindlen Award for Excellence in Journalism on Behalf of Children and Families – Journalists in both print and broadcast who have provided constructive, informative reporting that advances awareness, understanding, and action to meet the needs of children and families who are vulnerable.

Congressional Advocate of the Year – A member of Congress who has provided leadership on behalf of children and families who are vulnerable, and achieved demonstrated policy or funding improvements related to services and supports for children in the child welfare system. This selection is made in partnership with the CWLA National Policy Commission, but ideas for awardees can be submitted by the membership.

Corporate Advocate of the Year – For-profit business that has made a demonstrated national and local commitment using the principles of the CWLA National Blueprint for Excellence in Child Welfare to improve outcomes for children and families who are vulnerable and the organizations that serve them.

CWLA National Blueprint Champion for Excellence (Individual) – Individuals with demonstrated commitment to the principles of the CWLA National Blueprint for Excellence in Child Welfare and achievements that improve the safety, permanence, and well-being of the children and families they serve. Eligible nominees can include workers, supervisors, and others providing services to children in the child welfare system, as well as coaches, scout leaders, classroom teachers, mentors, family court judges and others who are advancing the CWLA National Blueprint for Excellence in Child Welfare vision that “all children will grow up safely, in loving families and supportive communities with everything they need to flourish—and with connections to their culture, ethnicity, race, and language.”

CWLA National Blueprint Champion for Excellence (Community Partner) – An organization that supports a CWLA member agency and the children and families it serves to advance the vision of the CWLA National Blueprint for Excellence in Child Welfare. Examples include organizations that provide services that support children, youth, and families served by the child welfare system including parenting organizations, youth education and development organizations, research entities, faith-based organizations, civic groups, schools, and others.

CWLA National Blueprint Champion for Excellence (Agency Innovator) – Member agencies that have demonstrated innovation and excellence in the delivery of programs and services to advance improved outcomes for children and youth utilizing the principles of the National Blueprint.

Nomination Criteria Overview

The CWLA National Blueprint for Excellence in Child Welfare vision is that “all children will grow up safely, in loving families and supportive communities with everything they need to flourish—and with connections to their culture, ethnicity, race, and language.”

CWLA will honor individuals and organizations that embody the principles of the CWLA National Blueprint for Excellence in Child Welfare which has a critical focus on advancing child welfare services that are linked to and operate in partnership with families and communities. The National Blueprint’s core principles are: Rights of Children; Shared Responsibility and Leadership; Engagement/Participation; Supports and Services; Quality Improvement; Workforce; Race, Ethnicity, and Culture; and Funding and Resources.

Nomination Material

Submit a completed nomination form and statement addressing how the nominee:

• Exhibits the awards overall vision and description
• Embodies the principles and vision of the CWLA National Blueprint for Excellence in Child Welfare

In addition, please submit three to four electronic photos that can be used in the awards presentation, should the nominee be selected.

For the Anna Quindlen Award for Excellence in Journalism, please also include articles, editorials, columns, videos, etc. in support of the nomination. Links to online articles and videos are acceptable.

Although not required, nominators may also submit additional materials, including newspaper clippings, printed materials, and testimonial letters to support the nomination and to perhaps be used during the awards presentation, should the nominee be selected.

Nomination Submission

Nominations must include a completed nomination form and supporting materials, and be received by January 7, 2015. Electronic submissions are required. Email nominations to Cassaundra Rainey, VP for Member Services and Conferences, Crainey@cwla.org.

Selection and Presentation

The CWLA Conference Awards committee will review nominations and select the award recipients by February 15, 2015. All awards will be presented during the 2015 National Conference.