Social services leader honored for work on behalf of youth

 

Cindy Toppin, a DHS Children’s Justice Task Force member and vice president of programs for Lifetrack Resources, received a 2012 Commissioner’s Award from the Administration on Children, Youth and Families in the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. The award recognizes one individual from Puerto Rico, District of Columbia, and each U.S. state and territory who has done significant work toward reducing child abuse and neglect.

“Cindy’s work on behalf of abused and neglected children has benefited the state of Minnesota in a significant way,” said Children and Family Services Assistant Commissioner Erin Sullivan Sutton. “We would like to congratulate her on the award and thank her for her positive contribution to children’s welfare.”

In addition to serving on the DHS Children’s Justice Act Task Force, Toppin has worked with citizens, counties and the Minnesota Legislature to evaluate and strengthen services for children in Minnesota.  Her 30 years’ experience includes promoting a preschool program through Lifetrack, serving on multiple committees for Ramsey County, and educating legislators and others about policies affecting children through guest lectures, sessions about children’s welfare policy at the University of Minnesota, and collaboration with other organizations concerned with reducing child abuse and neglect.

Pictured above, Cindy Toppin, left, vice president of Programs for Lifetrack Resources, receives her award from Bryan Samuels, commissioner of the Administration on Children, Youth and Families, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, at the National Conference on Child Abuse and Neglect in Washington, D.C.