2012
Child, Youth and Family Services

Affectionately known among her colleagues as the “Queen of Fostering”, social worker Mabel Anderson has dedicated a career, and more than 25 years of service, to child protective services with the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador. Mabel’s most recent work as project manager for the Continuum of Care Strategy implementation team in the Department of Child, Youth, and Family Services has benefitted children and foster families by enriching service delivery, increasing interest in fostering, and enhancing the foster care system overall.

The Government of Newfoundland and Labrador launched the Continuum of Care Strategy, seeking to enhance placement options for children and youth in need of out-of-home care by better supporting existing homes, and developing new resources. With Mabel as Project Lead, the strategy is meeting its goals and has increased interest in foster parenting in Newfoundland and Labrador. Mabel led development and delivery of the Foster-a-Future foster parent recruitment campaign. The foster parent program has itself seen improvements under Mabel’s leadership, including empowering foster parents to make broader financial decisions regarding the needs of the children in their care.

In addition to her work with the Continuum of Care Strategy, Mabel represents Child, Youth and Family Services as an active Newfoundland and Labrador Foster Families Association board member. She has also been a field instructor for social work students for many years, dedicating her time to mentoring students in this vital field of work.

Described as a woman of integrity and commitment, Mabel exemplifies qualities of excellence in her work, and is being recognized for her dedication and ability to facilitate change in her area of expertise. Her positive attitude inspires her colleagues and peers. There is no doubt that children and youth in need of care are better served as a result of her efforts, and that supports for foster families in this province have been strengthened by her focus, vision and dedication.