Carbon County proclaims June 9–13, 2025 Child Welfare Professionals Appreciation Week

The Carbon County Board of Commissioners adopted a proclamation recognizing June 9–13, 2025 as Child Welfare Professionals Appreciation Week and publicly thanked Children and Youth Services staff for their work protecting children in the county.

A presenter read the proclamation’s text, which cited local risks to children from abuse and neglect and noted that Carbon County Children and Youth Services staff conduct investigations, provide services intended to keep children safely in their homes when possible, and assist families through difficult transitions. The proclamation recognized the potential personal safety risks to staff who enter homes and the emotional challenges of working with victimized children and families.

Jill, identified during the meeting as director of Children and Youth Services, said she could not attend in person because she was at a conference learning about child welfare laws and regulations. "I apologize I can't be there. I am, currently at a conference learning more about child welfare laws and regulations," she said, and thanked the commissioners for recognizing her staff.

Jill said the department includes 13 caseworkers whose experience ranges from about four months to roughly 20 years and praised their daily efforts to help children and families, sometimes under dangerous conditions. The proclamation language, as read to the board, credited Carbon County Children and Youth Services with helping avert injuries and deaths of children in the county and called attention to the staff’s long hours and low pay.

Commissioners recorded the proclamation as adopted. Board members also offered public comments thanking caseworkers for their service and noting the difficulty and importance of the work.