Family, Youth and Children's Services Division Director, Foster Parents and Social Worker Honored

The Sonoma County Family, Youth and Children’s Services (FYC) Division Director, a social worker and two foster parents were honored with top awards by the California Department of Social Services on Sunday, October 12, 2019. FYC Division Director Nick Honey was named Outstanding Director, LCSW Juana Marquez was named Outstanding Social Worker, and Michelle and Brandon K. were named Outstanding Foster Parents of the Year. The ceremony was held during the California State Foster Parent Association’s 43rd annual conference in Ontario, CA. 

All were nominated by the local non-profit Redwood Empire Foster Parent Association.

“These awards honoring those who support foster children and families are very well-deserved,” says Sonoma County Human Services Department Director Karen Fies. “Nick has helped Sonoma County foster children for more than 26 years and is seen as a leader among his peers throughout the state. Juana’s seven years with the County has made a positive difference in so many foster children’s and families’ lives. And I’m always so moved by the dedication of foster families such as The K family who opened their home to several foster children in the past five years. We thank all of them for their service to our community’s children and youth.” 

In Sonoma County, 766 children and youth were in foster care for some part of 2018. They were cared for by community foster parents, relatives, at the Valley of the Moon Children’s Home, group homes or transitional homes for foster youth who are working or going to school. 

The California State Foster Parent Association, Inc. (CSFPA) provides support, advocacy, resources and education to all California Resource Families/Foster Parents. Its purpose is to bring together all Foster Parent/Resource Family associations throughout California to work together to promote the general welfare of children that need protective care.