NCFA Presents 2022 Babineaux Award to Organizations Making a Difference for Kids in Foster Care
ALEXANDRIA, VA (June 21, 2022) - National Council For Adoption was proud to present the 2022 Warren and Mary Alice Babineaux Award to Dave Thomas Foundation for Adoption, Indiana Department of Child Services, and The Villages of Indiana, Inc. at the recent National Adoption Conference held in Indianapolis. Each organization was recognized for outstanding dedication and an innovative approach to helping children in foster care receive nurturing, permanent, adoptive families.
courtesy of Caitlin Sullivan photography
Through its signature program, Wendy’s Wonderful Kids®, Dave Thomas Foundation for Adoption provides grants to adoption agencies to hire and train adoption recruiters who implement the Foundation’s evidence-based Child-Focused Recruitment Model. This model is up to three times more effective at serving children who have been in foster care the longest, including older youth, sibling groups and children with special needs. Their work has resulted in over 12,000 adoptions and the Foundation continues to grow their public and private partnerships across the country.
courtesy of Caitlin Sullivan photography
The Indiana Department of Child Services (DCS) has demonstrated exemplary commitment to increasing adoptions for waiting children and youth in the Hoosier state. With the creation of the Adoptions Unit, implementation of the Adoption Rapid Permanency Review, and collaborative partnerships with Dave Thomas Foundation for Adoption and The Villages of Indiana, Indiana DCS stands as a leader among state child welfare systems, prioritizing permanency and the importance of a loving, safe family for every child.
courtesy of Caitlin Sullivan photography
The Villages of Indiana, Inc. has consistently delivered on its mission to champion every child’s right to a safe, permanent, and nurturing home. The organization’s success in helping hundreds of children and youth find and thrive in loving, adoptive families led to their recent selection as the state-wide provider of Wendy’s Wonderful Kids®. In partnership with Indiana DCS and Dave Thomas Foundation for Adoption, The Villages of Indiana, Inc. is significantly expanding its impact and commitment to helping vulnerable children and youth in Indiana receive the security and support of a permanent family.
“All three of the awardees have shown excellence in services to promote adoption for children waiting on permanent families,” said Ryan Hanlon, President and CEO of NCFA. “Their partnership enhances the great work they’re already doing and demonstrates to others the power of public-private partnerships in service to children and families.”
About The Warren and Mary Alice Babineaux Award
Established in 2015, the Warren and Mary Alice Babineaux Award honors individuals and organizations who have demonstrated the most selfless commitment to providing resources, education, and leadership to address the many challenges including parent recruitment, training, and support services necessary to give children safe, stable, and loving adoptive families. The award is named for Adoption Hall of Fame recipients Warren and Mary Alice Babineaux who cared for more than 100 children in foster care during their decades-long tenure as foster and adoptive parents in Louisiana. A list of past awardees is available here.
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About National Council For Adoption
Founded in 1980, NCFA is a leading authoritative voice for adoption and is passionately committed to the belief that every child, everywhere, deserves to thrive in a nurturing, permanent family. NCFA’s nonprofit work promotes a culture of adoption through education, research, advocacy, and collaboration that aims to serve children, expectant and birth parents, adopted individuals, adoptive families, and adoption professionals.
Media Contact:
Kristen Hamilton
703-718-5375
khamilton@adoptioncouncil.org
