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The Atlantic County Children and Families Initiative has been recognized
both nationally and in the local media for the creative and innovative
programs that provide supports for families and children through the
Family Centers concept, and for the collaborative efforts which make
the centers work. Most recently the Initiative and the five family centers
have been regarded as a model in prevention services for at risk youth
behavior by the State Attorney General’s Office. Kevin Ryan, Commissioner
of the Department of Children and Families, is utilizing the family center
model for the development of statewide family resource centers. Two awards
on a national level include those from the National Association
of Counties and the The Local Collaboration for Children
and Youth:
- The Atlantic County Children and Families Initiative was named a 1998
National Achievement Award Winner by the National
Association of Counties "in recognition of an innovative
program which contributes to and enhances county government in the
United States".
- The Local Collaboration for Children and Youth honored
the Atlantic County Children and Families Initiative as one of 15 initiatives
out of 135 in it's Awards for Excellence report, "Community Collaboration
for Children and Youth: A Report from the 1996-97 Awards for Excellence." CFI
was singled out because it demonstrates how communities working
together to build capacities - within families, neighborhoods, schools
and agencies - can make extraordinary things happen...and...that
a unified approach to tackling child and family issues can make a real
difference in peoples' lives. (the Local Collaboration is comprised
of the American Association of School Administrators, International
City/County Management Association, National Association of Counties,
National League of Cities, National School Boards Association and The
US Conference of Mayors).
The Children and Families Initiative has presented workshops on the
project and the Family Centers to numerous helping professionals and
administrators. Recent presentations include:
- The Children and Families Initiative: Responding
to Indicators of Children's Well Being. The
National Association of Counties 1999 Workforce Development
and Human Services Conference, November 17-20, 1999 in Albuquerque,
New Mexico.
- Community Partnerships for Healthy Families. The
Governor's Conference on Strengthening Families for the 21st
Century, April 22 & 23, 1999, Atlantic City, New Jersey.
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