Arlington Parents Honored for Improving Child Welfare

Casey Excellence for Children Awards recognize Duane and Gwendolyn Yates 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 Duane and Gwendolyn Yates of Arlington, Texas, 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. and Mrs. Yates received the award in the category for birth parents. The award recognizes birth parents who have been reunited with their child or children after placement in foster care has occurred, and who support other birth families seeking reunification with their own children.

Duane and Gwendolyn Yates have been parent liaisons for the Texas Department of Family and Protective Services in the Dallas-Fort Worth area since 2006, and have participated in the statewide Parent Collaboration Group. The Yates have participated in more than 20 parent panel discussions, demonstrating their commitment and passion for helping birth parents safely reunite with their children.

The Yates co-chair the Dallas Disproportionality Advisory Committee. Mr. Yates also is a member of the National Fatherhood Advisory Council, the Tarrant County Fatherhood Advisory Council and the Birth Parent Advisory Committee for Casey Family Programs. Since August 2006, the Yates have facilitated Parents Empowering Parents, a support group that helps birth parents navigate through the child welfare system and safely reunite with their children.

They are co-founders of My Brothers' and Sisters' Keepers, a nonprofit that offers recovery services and transitional housing to men and women who struggle with substance abuse.

"Duane and Gwendolyn Yates carry 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. "They share 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.

www.casey.org

SOURCE Casey Family Programs