Southwest Montana News

Foster parents, child protection workers, youth, and non-profit organizations were recognized during an awards ceremony on Tuesday, April 12. The event was part of the annual Montana Prevent Child Abuse and Neglect Conference sponsored by the Department of Public Health and Human Services (DPHHS).

Representatives from DPHHS and the Montana Children’s Trust Fund honored individuals and organizations from various locations including Kalispell, Missoula, Rosebud County, Billings, Great Falls, Havre, Helena, Browning, and Livingston.

Among the awards presented was the Jana Elliott Memorial Resource Parents of the Year. This award is given to foster or adoptive parents who excel in working with birth parents and children. It is named after Jana Elliott who served as a licensed foster parent and teacher in Wolf Point before her passing in 2016.

Scott Meyer and Randi Vanhuss-Meyer of Missoula along with Amy Ream of Kalispell were co-recipients of this award. The Meyers have been fostering for four years alongside their three biological children. "Being a foster parent," said Randi Vanhuss-Meyer, "it’s just rewarding to help a child through what is often a very challenging time in their life."

Rhonda Harris from the Missoula CFSD office nominated the Meyers for their impactful work with foster children. “The Meyers make a difference in the lives of foster children every day,” Harris stated.

Amy Ream has been involved in fostering for 13 years and recently adopted a daughter. She emphasized focusing on small successes within foster care: “In the world of foster care you really focus on the small successes.”

Sandy Sonju from Kalispell CFSD office nominated Ream for her dedication to fostering: “I can’t say enough about how important Amy is to foster kids,” Sonju remarked.

Additionally, several awards were presented by The Montana Children’s Trust Fund (MTCTF), which supports initiatives aimed at strengthening families and preventing child abuse.