Alumnus of Foster Care from Kentucky Honored for Improving Child Welfare

Casey Excellence for Children Awards recognize William Earl Washington for making a difference in the lives of vulnerable children and families across America

SEATTLE, Jan. 25, 2012 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Casey Family Programs, a national operating foundation committed to improving the lives of children and families in communities across America, has named William Earl Washington of Lexington, Ky., among the winners of the annual Casey Excellence for Children Awards.

The foundation gives the awards to recognize outstanding individuals who have demonstrated distinguished work, exceptional leadership and relentless dedication in improving the child welfare system.

Mr. Washington received the award in the category for alumni of foster care. The award recognizes alumni of foster care who have helped other alumni advocate for themselves, or have helped them become advocates for other alumni.

William Earl Washington spent nearly 10 years in foster care in Kentucky. He grew up in a low-income, inner-city neighborhood in Lexington where conditions of the community sometimes made it difficult for him to realize his full potential.

Mr. Washington has spent the last 11 years as an advocate for at-risk youth – in particular, older youth – both in and out of the foster care system. After completing his undergraduate studies, he became a case worker for the Kentucky Cabinet for Health and Family Services, where he advocated for children and families in the system.

Mr. Washington received a master's degree in social work and now is the director of child placing services at the Kentucky United Methodist Home, where he oversees independent and transitional living programs. He also is co-founder of Fostering Goodwill, a nonprofit committed to fostering a sense of empowerment for older youth transitioning out of the foster care system.

"William Earl Washington carries the banner for countless others across the nation who are doing extraordinary work on behalf of those involved in the foster care system," said Shelia Evans-Tranumn, chair of the Board of Trustees of Casey Family Programs. "He shares our goal to have every child grow up in a healthy, safe and permanent family, and within a supportive community."

Casey Family Programs is the nation's largest operating foundation focused entirely on foster care and improving the child welfare system. Founded in 1966, we work to provide and improve – and ultimately prevent the need for – foster care in the United States. As champions for change, we are committed to our 2020 Strategy for America's Children, a goal to safely reduce the number of children in foster care and improve the lives of those who remain in care.

SOURCE Casey Family Programs