STATE HUMAN SERVICES DIRECTOR HONORED FOR PROTECTING HAWAI`I'S CHILDREN FROM ABUSE, NEGLECT
March 30 - "It is good to see
someone rewarded for their passion and positive results," Governor Lingle
said at a reception to recognize Lillian Koller, director of the Department
of Human Services (DHS). Koller was recently selected to receive the
2007 Commissioner's Award from the U.S. Department of Health and Human
Services' Administration on Children, Youth and Families for her outstanding
achievements in the prevention and treatment of child abuse and
neglect. Under Koller's leadership, DHS has expanded healthcare for
needy adults and children, helped clients make the transformation from
welfare to the workforce, enhanced child welfare services, and made
government more transparent and accountable by releasing records to help
locate missing children.
In order to raise awareness about the harmful effects of child abuse and
encourage parents and caregivers to raise their children in a stable and
loving environment, Governor Lingle and Lt. Governor Aiona have proclaimed
April as "Child Abuse Prevention Month" in the State of Hawai`i. Read the
proclamation.