Zanders-Willis Earns National Honors

The national profile of the Health and Human Services Agency Child Welfare Services is increasing, thanks to two recent recognitions for its director, Debra Zanders-Willis.

The Casey Family Foundation, the nation’s largest foundation focusing on foster care and the child welfare system, recently named Zanders-Willis as one of five people to receive the Casey Family Programs Child Welfare Director Excellence in Leadership Award. The other honorees were from Michigan, Alabama and two from South Carolina.

Zanders-Willis was also recently asked to serve as the western region representative for the National Association of Public Child Welfare Administrators Executive Committee. In this role she will represent the region on issues related to policy and practice in child welfare.

“San Diego County is committed to protecting our children and we’re proud of the national recognition our Child Welfare Services has earned under Debra’s leadership,” said Chairman Greg Cox, San Diego County Board of Supervisors. “From San Pasqual Academy, our first-in-the-nation residential education campus for foster youth, to innovative programs like Camp Connect that allow foster care siblings to bond, we pride ourselves on innovation and doing what’s best for the children and families of San Diego County.”

The award recognizes child welfare agencies that have achieved major improvements such as safely reducing the number of children in foster care, increasing family reunifications and reducing instances of child abuse.

San Diego County has consistently reduced the number of children in out-of-home care and has also seen a reduction by 50 percent in the number of youth placed in group homes. Zanders-Willis has overseen several reforms and implemented innovative programs that allow for more engagement with families involved in Child Welfare.

“Debra is a perfect example of how HHSA employees are making a positive difference through the County’s Live Well, San Diego! initiative,” said Nick Macchione, HHSA director. “Through Debra’s leadership, children who have been abused, neglected or abandoned are given the support they need to live safe and healthy lives.”