Deputy Commissioner for Virginia Department of Social Services Honored for Improving Child Welfare

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 Paul D. McWhinney, deputy commissioner for programs for the Virginia Department of Social Services, 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.

Deputy Commissioner McWhinney received the Excellence in Leadership award. The award recognizes a current child welfare leader who has demonstrated excellence in leading a child welfare agency toward improved outcomes for children and families.

Paul McWhinney has had a distinguished career in child welfare and social services since 1975. His current responsibilities include oversight of child and adult welfare, benefits, child care and early childhood development programs and the agency's Strengthening Families Initiative. He previously served as the agency's director of family services, where he directly supervised child protection, foster care and adoption.

From December 2007 to October 2011, Virginia's foster care caseload has been reduced by 38 percent, while the percentage of youth discharged to permanency has increased from 64 percent to 74 percent. During that same span, the percentage of family-based placements has increased from 71 percent to 85 percent, and the percentage of children in congregate care has decreased from 25 percent to 14 percent. The percentage of re-entries into foster care within 12 months also has decreased, from 9.6 percent to 5.6 percent.

Deputy Commissioner McWhinney's clear vision, excellent communication and inclusive management style inspire his colleagues and partners.

"Paul McWhinney 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