UC Davis Human Services Instructor Receives National Honor
Casey Family Programs announces recipients of the 2023 Casey Excellence for Children Awards
Each year, Casey Family Programs honors 10 people and one foundation for helping to build Communities of Hope for children and families across the nation. Roger De Leon, Jr., one of UC Davis Human Services’ instructors and advisory committee partners, was recently named for this honor.
“These national awards recognize those who engage in inspiring work, exceptional leadership and unwavering dedication to improve the well-being of children and families who are engaged with the child welfare system,” stated Casey Family Programs in a recent announcement.
A dedicated father, grandfather, minister and passionate advocate for children and families, Roger De Leon, Jr. works as a parent partner with Riverside County’s Children Services Division in California. As one of the first parent partners, he helped develop their program, supporting and encouraging families in navigating these systems, often leading to reunification. He is a birth father representative on the California Child Welfare Council and a member of the Parent Partner Advisory Committee. De Leon uses his personal experience navigating the child welfare and court systems to inform his work.
“Roger is a statewide expert in father engagement and an amazing advocate for the importance of including and engaging the fathers of children involved in the child welfare system,” said Alison Book, director of UC Davis Human Services. “He makes such a difference with his work, and we are honored to have him as part of the UC Davis team.”
In addition, De Leon is a member of the Children’s Trust Fund Alliance’s Birth Parent National Network. He has collaborated with Casey Family Programs on strengthening families through the American Rescue Plan Act and the Parent Partner Learning Collaborative and provides consultation to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. De Leon helps develop and deliver state-mandated trainings throughout California.