Two HHSA Employees Honored for Efforts Preventing Child Abuse

HHSA's Lindsay Vernetti, center, was a nominee for the 2108 Child Abuse Prevention Coordinating Council's STARS Awards. She's pictured with Kim Giardina, CWS deputy director (right) and STAR 94.1's Delana Bennett, who served as the emcee for the ceremony. CWS' Cristine Rosas-DiMaggio was also honored but unable to attend the event.

Two HHSA Child Welfare Services workers were honored Tuesday at the Child Abuse Prevention Coordinating Council’s annual STARS award ceremony.

Lindsay Vernetti and Cristine Rosas-DiMaggio were recognized for their efforts in preventing child abuse in the region.

STARS stands for: Support children and parents in the community; Take a positive perspective; Address the issues; Recognize that parenting can be challenging and offer support; and Strengthen communities.

Rosas-DiMaggio is a protective services worker and the program coordinator and family support group leader to CWS’ OPTIONS for Recovery Program. She recruits foster parents who are willing to participate in intensive and comprehensive training in order to care for children who are drug exposed.

Vernetti was a nominee for the award and is a senior public health nurse who works with CWS children that have life-threatening illnesses. She works with protective service workers to assess children’s physical and medical safety in their home.

El Cajon Police Department detective John Pearsely, Kristin Gist of Rady Children’s Hospital, Kym G. Miller of Voices for Children and the Vista Hill ParentCare Alumni Association were the other STARS Award winners.

Others honored at the ceremony include nominees Angela Rowe of Vista Hill, Carol Bess of Cultural Brokers, the Mi Escuelita Therapeutic Preschool and HERE Now and Anti BIAS programs from San Diego Youth Services.