Foster and Adoptive Family Awards Held at State Capitol On November 21, Governor Tony Evers and Department of Children and Families (DCF) Secretary–designee Jeff Pertl honored 10 families at the newly-revamped Governor’s Foster and Adoptive Family Awards! For the first time, the ceremony recognized relative caregivers, foster parents and adoptive parents in the same space. The ceremony was held in the Assembly Chamber at the State Capitol and featured Governor Evers, Secretary Pertl and Division of Safety and Permanence (DSP) Administrator John Elliott as its speakers. This year’s recipients – which included relative caregiver, foster, adoptive and guardianship families – were awarded for their exceptional efforts to engage in shared parenting, help the children in their care strengthen their community and cultural ties, keep sibling groups together and much more. This year’s Foster and Adoptive Family Awards recipients include: James and Elizabeth Anderson of Blanchardville Natasha Becker and Shiquille Ward of Appleton Kara and Joseph Bennier of Milwaukee Chelsie and Jon Heesch of Sparta Michelle and Mike Klintworth of New Richmond Kim and Brian LaLuzerne of Hobart Brody and Jamie Larson of New Richmond Lily Lincoln of Tomah Melissa and Keith Mortan of Sparta Stephanie and Dustin Witzigmann of Watertown For those interested, the ceremony is available to watch on WisconsinEye. A press release covering the event can also be found on DCF’s website. Questions about the ceremony and other DSP awards can be sent to the Putting Families First team.
