Who inspires you?
The Casey Excellence for Children Awards are presented annually to recognize those who have dedicated themselves to building hope and improving outcomes for children and families impacted by the child welfare system. Each year we look for foster care alumni, birth parents, kinship caregivers and resource parents who have demonstrated extraordinary efforts on behalf of those involved in child welfare.
Nominees are evaluated on the work they accomplished at the local, state or national level. As we all work together to build Communities of Hope, we seek to highlight efforts that truly transform the lives of children and families in our communities.
Nominations for 2027 are now closed. Nominations for 2028 will open in summer 2027.
Here are some frequently asked questions about the awards nomination process. If you have a question that isn’t answered below, please email awards@casey.org.
Frequently asked questions
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Alumni: Alumni of foster care (age 18 or older) who have helped other alumni advocate for themselves, or have helped them become advocates for other alumni or youth in care.
Birth parents (mother, father): A birth mother or father who has been reunited with their child after the child was placed in foster care, and who has supported other birth families seeking reunification with their own children.
Kinship caregivers: A licensed or nonlicensed individual who has provided care for a relative’s child and has advocated for other kinship caregivers and the children in their care.
(Couples also are eligible for this award.)
Resource parents: Resource parents include licensed foster care providers, adoptive parents and foster-to-adopt parents who have demonstrated extraordinary efforts on behalf of those involved in the foster care system and who support and serve as a resource for other foster and adoptive parents. (Couples also are eligible for this award.)
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Both are optional. However, these materials help reviewers develop a broader understanding of the nominees and their accomplishment. Résumés and bios can be uploaded on the application page.
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Yes. Eligibility is based on recent work in their community or on statewide or national levels in support of their constituent group and Building Communities of Hope.
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Yes. Contacting potential nominees is encouraged, especially if a résumé, bio or additional information is needed for the nomination.
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Yes, as long as the nominee has not previously received a Casey Excellence for Children Award.
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Award recipients will receive a $500 honorarium, a customized award and be featured in social media and other digital materials.
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Award recipients will be notified in the fall after nominations close.
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If you have any questions, please email awards@casey.org.
Meet the 2026 honorees
These awards are a national recognition of the accomplishments of remarkable individuals, especially those with lived experience in the child welfare system, who are working to safely reduce the need for foster care and build Communities of Hope. The awards recognize those who have demonstrated outstanding work, exceptional leadership and unwavering dedication to improving child and family well-being in the United States.
Family and Alumni
These awards recognize those foster care alumni, birth parents, kinship caregivers and resource parents who have demonstrated extraordinary efforts on behalf of those involved in child welfare.
Leadership
These awards recognize leaders who have had a significant impact in improving outcomes for children and families and building Communities of Hope across America.
Previous family and alumni honorees
Previous leadership honorees
Nominate someone who inspires you
Casey Family Programs’ annual Casey Excellence for Children Awards recognize alumni, birth parents, kinship caregivers and resource parents who dedicate themselves to improving the lives of children and families.
