Charlie Brereton Director at Montana Department of Public Health | LinkedIn
Charlie Brereton Director at Montana Department of Public Health | LinkedIn
Foster parents, child protection workers, youth, and non-profit organizations were recognized on Tuesday, April 9, at the Heritage Inn in Great Falls. The awards ceremony was part of the annual Montana Prevent Child Abuse and Neglect Conference sponsored by the Department of Public Health and Human Services (DPHHS).
Individuals and organizations from various Montana locations such as Great Falls, Billings, Kalispell, Dillon, Missoula, Libby, Bigfork, and Helena received honors. DPHHS Director Charlie Brereton remarked on the event's significance: “This conference is designed to celebrate and build upon the invaluable partnerships that positively impact the lives of Montana children and families.” He further expressed gratitude for the dedication shown by award recipients.
Among the accolades was the Jana Elliott Memorial Resource Parents of the Year award. This honor is given to foster/adoptive parents who excel in collaborating with birth parents and caring for children in foster care or adoption settings. The award commemorates Jana Elliott's contributions as a licensed foster parent and teacher in Wolf Point before her untimely death in 2016.
Great Falls resident Danyell Ocheltree and Mineral County residents Katie and Steven Thompson were named co-recipients of this award.
Other awards presented included:
The Service to Children Award recognized outgoing board members for their efforts in preventing child abuse and neglect while strengthening families. Teresa Kennedy from Bigfork and Elizabeth Siblerud from Kalispell received this honor.
The Youth Achievement of the Year award recipients included Brooklyn Nunn, Taylor Gribble, Brandon Hogan, Lizzy McCullough, and Mary Jane Beaman. They are pictured with DPHHS Director Charlie Brereton and Lt. Governor Kristen Juras.
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