Award recipients honored by Foster Care Review Board

Six individuals will be recognized today by the State Court Administrative Office’s Foster Care Review Board for their outstanding service to Michigan’s foster children. State Court Administrator Milton L. Mack, Jr., will present the 2015 Child Welfare Awards at the Crowne Plaza Hotel in Lansing.

Annette E. Skinner, of East Lansing, will be recognized as Lawyer-Guardian Ad Litem of the Year for her advocacy for child clients. Skinner was lauded for her “investment of her time and energy on behalf of her clients, and her collaboration and consultation skills when working with caseworkers to ensure that the children are receiving the services and support they need while in the foster care system.” Kera Wagner, of the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services in Lansing, nominated Skinner for her outstanding  personal, yet effective efforts in providing what she calls “the kind of attention that you hope your child will be able to have from their attorney should they ever need one.”

Elizabeth Warner, of the Law Office of Elizabeth Warner in Jackson, will be honored as Parent Attorney of the Year. Warner was nominated by Tracy E. Green, an attorney of the Detroit Center for Family Advocacy, and was commended for her strong advocacy and creative tactics in representing parents in child abuse or neglect cases. Green notes that Warner’s is an experienced, reputable, and knowledgeable attorney who brought needed attention to the inequalities of Michigan’s Child Abuse and Neglect Central Registry.

The Foster Care Worker of the Year Award will be presented to Diane Tryan of Catholic Social Services of the U.P. in Escanaba. Tryan has worked for 12 years as a foster care and adoption caseworker and supervisor. She was nominated by her coworker, Kyle Rambo, who has described Tryan as “possessing a tireless work ethic with positive energy that inspires others around her. Her unending loyalty and service to her community is visible through her outstanding reputation as a motivational educator and devoted assistant to her clients and families she has served.” In addition, Rambo reports that Tryan’s involvement as a victim’s Advocacy Counselor for the Diocese of Marquette and
volunteer work with the Suicide Prevention Task force in Delta County has shaped the lives of those within her community in a healthy and positive fashion.
 The Hon. Patricia D. Gardner, presiding judge of Kent County’s 17th Circuit Court Family Division, will be presented the Jurist of the Year Award for her “outstanding efforts to facilitate positive outcomes for children brought under the court’s jurisdiction due to abuse or neglect.” Judge Gardner was nominated by Patty Sabin, director of CASA Kent County. Since 2010, Judge Gardner has served the Kent County community by providing fair and tireless service to the families of the foster care system. She also founded “The Independent Living Closet,” which provides household goods to individuals who are aging out of the foster care system. Sabin describes Judge Gardner’s approach to justice as “groundbreaking” and notes that her approach to justice for the children and parents of the child welfare system in addressing “barriers to permanency” has offered exceptional service to the people of the community for five years.

Zachary and Tisha Estes, of the Methodist Children’s Center in Detroit, will receive the Foster Parents of the Year Award. The Esteses have been foster parents since 1998 to more than 20 children, three of whom are now their adopted sons and for one of whom they are the legal guardians. Nominated by more than one person, the couple has gone beyond the guidelines of their service in efforts to better the lives of not only the children they raise, but also their families. The Esteses have been involved with “Families on the Move,” which offers support to foster parents, and Mrs. Estes has served on the Foster Care Review Board of Wayne County.