Children’s Home Society’s Anne McGovern Receives National Recognition
Posted on July 27, 2021
Children’s Home Society (CHS) of South Dakota Adoption Specialist Anne McGovern has been honored by the Dave Thomas Foundation for Adoption as a Wendy’s Wonderful Kids Recruiter of the Year.
“Anne’s strength as an advocate to find forever homes for children is top-notch. Driven by compassion and tenacity, she is always willing to go the extra mile to support children and families on their journey to adoption,” says CHS Chief Operating Officer Karl Jegeris.
Each year, only three recruiters win the coveted award, out of more than 600. The award was announced at the 2021 Dave Thomas Foundation for Adoption Summit earlier this month.
Anne, who is based in Rapid City, is the western South Dakota recruiter for Wendy’s Wonderful Kids, the signature program of the Dave Thomas Foundation. She stood out due to her outstanding outcomes and high praise from clients.
Wendy’s Wonderful Kids often works with children who have been in foster care the longest, including teenagers, children with special needs and sibling groups. Of the youth served by the program:
- 89% are older than age eight
- 35% have had six or more placements (in foster homes or residential care)
- 22% have been in foster care more than four years
- More than 80% had minimal or no adoption recruitment efforts on their behalf before being referred to the program
Recruiters use an evidence-based, child-focused recruitment model to find the right family for every child. A five-year evaluation showed that youth referred to Wendy’s Wonderful Kids are up to three times more likely to be adopted.
Learn more about CHS Foster Care and Adoption Services.