Washington, D.C. – Casey Family Programs will honor Thomas L. Birch, legislative counsel of the National Child Abuse Coalition, at a reception Thursday evening, May 18 at The Willard Hotel.
Seattle-based Casey Family Programs, the largest national operating foundation whose sole mission is to provide and improve – and ultimately to prevent the need for – foster care, will present the Casey Family Programs Leadership Award to Birch for his 25 years of uncompromising commitment to protect and improve the lives of America’s most vulnerable children.
The Casey Family Programs Leadership Awards are presented annually to policymakers and leaders who have demonstrated unwavering commitment, leadership and action on behalf of children and families.
“Tom Birch has worked tirelessly to assure that the needed legislative and fiscal resources are in place to bring awareness and action around preventing child maltreatment,” said William C. Bell, president and CEO of Casey Family Programs. “His committed efforts have been critical in protecting and keeping children safe across this country.”
Birch leads the Washington, DC-based National Child Abuse Coalition, serving to coordinate federal advocacy efforts on behalf of abused and neglected children. He is a tireless advocate for child abuse prevention policies, including the Child Abuse Prevention and Treatment Act and Promoting Safe and Stable Families.
Since 1981, the National Child Abuse Coalition has embodied the commitment of its national member organizations to coordinate federal advocacy efforts through leadership and strategy in lobbying Congress on issues affecting the abuse and neglect of children. The National Child Abuse Coalition is recognized for its leadership and success in coordinating networks of advocates to work collaboratively, presenting a unified position and speaking with one voice to prevent the maltreatment of children.
An attorney by training, Birch came to this work from Congress, having served as legislative counsel to members of the United States Senate and House of Representatives on issues of domestic policy. He is the author of articles on legislative advocacy and topics of public policy, particularly in his areas of specialization in child welfare, human services, and cultural affairs.