The Youth Horizons Caring Choice Award was created to recognize the efforts made by child care workers who, in carrying out their daily responsibilities, took an extra step and made ‘a caring choice’ on behalf of the youth in their care.

As an agency, our theme was ‘kids count’ which we tried to reinforce with client centered policies and procedures. And it was the strength of our staff that made it possible. That’s why we felt such an award was a good idea.

Although almost thirty years is a long time, my recollections include a committee, made up of agency staff and Foundation volunteer representation that reviewed annual submissions.

A plaque, prominently displayed, listed the names of the recipients. Its presentation was part of either our Annual General Meeting or our Long Service Recognition evening.

The award included a small stipend to support a professional development choice on the part of the award winner – toward studies, a conference, a book.

The first to receive the award were Karen Goodhand and Anne MacLellan in 1990.

Unfortunately naming recipients was short lived given the reorganization of social services and the harmonizing of policies and procedures within the newly created Batshaw Youth and Family Centres.

But while in effect, it was well received and reinforced the importance that caring staff contributed to Youth Horizons.

Winners