COOK COUNTY JUVENILE COURT JUDGES, OFFICIALS COMMEND CHILD CARE WORKERS� PERFORMANCE

(Chicago) -- During a June 19, 2003 interagency meeting of Cook County Juvenile Court, court officials publicly cited three child welfare case workers for special recognition for superior job performance. 

The court recognized agency caseworkers Vanessa White of Chicago Commons, Kimberly Vander Griend of Lydia Homes Association and DeJuane T. Jones of Lakeside Community Committee. Chicago Commons, Lydia Homes and Lakeside are all Child Care Association of Illinois members. 

According to Child Care Association President Margaret Berglind, �Juvenile Court judges and other officials made a point to recognize the competence and commitment these child care workers bring to their work. 

�The court�s recognition of these workers serves to underscore how Illinois� child welfare system has improved the lives of children�through the tireless dedication, skill and compassion of child welfare professionals.� 

White, Vander Griend and Jones received the following recognitions: 

�      Vanessa White, Chicago Commons

 Ms. White received commendations from Judge Joan O�Brien on five separate occasions. Compliments on her work also came from that courtroom�s state�s attorney, public defender, clerk and sheriff. In particular, Judge O�Brien commended her for competence and preparation. Ms. White also received commendation from Judge Candace Fabri who too noted impressive work performance, especially court preparation.  

�      Kimberly Vander Griend, Lydia Home Association

Ms. Vander Griend received commendation from Judge Lawrence Flood. He noted Vander Griend�s professionalism and excellence in presentation of case summaries to the court, providing a clear view of circumstances. Ms.Vander Griend also drew recognition from Judge Sandra Otaka who noted her relentless efforts to provide services to the minor under her care.  

�      DeJuane T. Jones, Lakeside Community Committee

Mr. Jones received commendation from Judge Lawrence Flood who noted that Mr. Jones prepared a service plan that was impressively thorough, with clear and concise documentation. In addition, Judge Candace Fabri praised Mr. Jones commended Mr. Jones for his ability to diffuse a potentially volatile situation that resulted in a favorable case settlement, avoiding a full, drawn-out hearing.  

Established in 1964, the Child Care Association of Illinois (CCA) is a voluntary, not-for-profit organization dedicated to improving the delivery of social services to the abused, neglected, and troubled children, youth and families of Illinois.