Unbeknownst to her, Janet Watkins, a CPS investigator working out of the Benton County Sherriff’s Office, walked into a room full of people ready to recognize her commitment to safety, permanency and well-being of children and families.
Janet received the Rosie Oreskovich award during this year’s Children’s Justice Conference in Seattle.
Rosie Oreskovich served as the Assistant Secretary of the Children’s Administration (now part of the Department of Children, Youth, and Families) between 1994 until her unexpected death in 2003. Rosie was highly respected by staff, providers and community partners who knew her well for her compassion for children and families and her dedication to continually improving how we do our work every day.
To commemorate the initiatives and values Rosie embedded in the work we do today, each year one social worker or supervisor is awarded the Rosie Oreskovich Award.
Jody Becker, Deputy Secretary of Programs for Children and Families, presented the award to Janet, who received three separate nominations.
Janet has worked for DCYF (formerly Children’s Administration) for the past 11 years in various positions, including after-hours, intake and relative search.
She has been instrumental in increasing a working relationship between law enforcement and the agency and played a crucial role in implementing visitation protocols to facilitate visits between incarcerated individuals and social workers.
Janet also teaches part time at Heritage University, where she mentors future social workers, some of which have joined DCYF.
Cecilia Larios-Cardenas, a colleague who nominated Janet described her leadership and impact on the community.
“With respect to exemplifying social work values and ethics, Ms. Watkins shines. The best part about her is that she does not realize her shine qualities,” Cecilia wrote in her nomination. “She simply does what needs to be done in an efficient manner. Ms. Watkins works and pushes to do what is in the best interests regarding child safety. She does this through information sharing, guidance, education, and effective leadership."
Congratulations Janet!