Deal: Council will work to reform child welfare system

Gov. Nathan Deal today announced the creation of the Child Welfare Reform Council to improve our child welfare system and better protect Georgia’s most vulnerable citizens. Modeled after the successful Criminal Justice Reform Council, this council will complete a comprehensive review of the Division of Family and Children Services and advise the governor on possible executive agency reforms and legislative fixes if necessary.

“After meeting with numerous stakeholders including former foster youth, juvenile court judges, providers and child advocates, it was clear there was a need for a more deliberate reform process of the child welfare system,” Deal said. “We have no greater responsibility than caring for our most vulnerable populations. If we do nothing else, we must always do everything in our power to assure that our children are safe and that they get their best shot at a good life. I am confident this council will produce meaningful and thoughtful reform recommendations.”

Stephanie Blank, a longtime champion of children and education, will chair the council and will work in conjunction with the Governor’s Office and the Department of Human Services. A complete list of council members will be announced in the coming weeks.  

Stephanie Blank

Blank serves on the Georgia State Advisory Council on Early Childhood Education and Care established by Gov. Nathan Deal, the Children’s Healthcare Of Atlanta System Board, First  Lady Sandra Deal’s Children’s Cabinet and is the founding chair of the governing board of GEEARS, the Georgia Early Education Alliance for Ready Students. She is also a mentor leader for the Emerging Leaders for Children’s Healthcare and a co-founder of Mothers & Others for Clean Air. Blank earned a bachelor’s degree from Appalachian State University. She and her three children reside in Atlanta.