Southwest Montana News

Foster parents, child protection workers, youth, and non-profit organizations were recognized during an awards ceremony at the Delta Hotels by Marriott Helena Colonial. The event took place on April 19 as 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 across Montana, including Great Falls, Billings, Bonner, Kalispell, Miles City, Missoula, Butte, Livingston, Bozeman, and Helena.

DPHHS Director Charlie Brereton expressed admiration for the awardees: “The list of award recipients this year is impressive. The positive impact these individuals and organizations are making in Montana is inspiring, and their daily actions serve as an excellent example for others to follow. DPHHS is extremely moved by these individuals and their tireless efforts on behalf of Montana children and families.”

One of the notable awards given was the Jana Elliott Memorial Resource Parents of the Year. This accolade is awarded to foster or adoptive parents who demonstrate a strong commitment to working with birth parents and children in foster care or adoption settings. It honors Jana Elliott's memory; she was a dedicated licensed foster parent and sixth-grade teacher in Wolf Point before her untimely death in 2016 while assisting someone in need.

This year's co-recipients of the Jana Elliott Memorial Resource Parents of the Year award were John and Shasta Szewczyk along with Mark Bovingdon from Great Falls.

The Montana Children’s Trust Fund (MTCTF) also distributed several awards. MTCTF supports initiatives aimed at strengthening families across Montana to ensure children's safety from abuse and neglect. These awards recognize those who have made exceptional contributions towards this cause.