Waukegan, IL, December 21,2005 - A Department of Children and Family Services supervisor was recently honored for her compassion and devoted service to victims of child abuse and neglect. The Lake County Child Advocacy Center presented child protection supervisor Coryn Turner the award during a December 6th ceremony held in Gurnee.
The annual award is given to DCFS staff who have demonstrated cooperation and commitment to the Lake County Child Advocacy Center and the people it serves.
“Coryn has such a warm spirit, and she always goes above what her job description requires so that we can serve children who have been victimized, “said Sandra Bankston, a Child Advocacy Center caseworker.
Turner, a 20-year veteran in child welfare services, began her DCFS career in 1992 as a follow-up worker. She currently supervises six child protection staff at the Waukegan field office.
“This award has motivated me again to stay focused and remain in child welfare,” said Turner, noting that child welfare workers often do not receive recognition for the vital work they perform. She added that the Lake County Child Advocacy Center plays an important role by offering multidisciplinary services to child victims during the early stages of an investigation.
“The Center’s staff really assist us with complicated cases and cases that are criminally chargeable,” said Turner. “My staff works well with their staff, and without their assistance, DCFS would sometimes be challenged to know the right direction to take.”

Other people honored at the December 6th ceremony included Lake County Coroner Dr. Richard Keller, and Lake County sheriff's investigators Sgt. Rick White and Lenny Cole.
The Waukegan-based Advocacy Center was established in 1985 as a cooperative effort between DCFS, local law enforcement agencies and the Lake County State's Attorney to provide a multi-disciplinary approach for responding to reports of child abuse. It is among the oldest of 36 child advocacy centers currently serving 80 counties in Illinois.

- 30 -

Diane Jackson
Illinois Department of Children and Family Services
312-814-6847