Awards & Recognition

Since its inception in 1998, C.A.S.E., its founders, Kathleen and Michael Dugan, its CEO and Co-founder, Debbie Riley and select staff members have all been proud recipients of numerous awards and recognition for their tireless efforts in providing counseling, educational resources, workshops and trainings for foster and adoptive families and the professionals who serve them.

2021

• 2021 Career Achievement Award presented by American Public Human Services Association (APHSA)

• Catalogue for Philanthropy – C.A.S.E. recognized as “One of the Best” Featured Charity

2020

• Institute for Credentialing Excellence (ICE) – C.A.S.E. received accreditation of its Training for Adoption Competency (TAC)

• Catalogue for Philanthropy – C.A.S.E. recognized as “One of the Best” Featured Charity

2019

• Adoption Excellence Award for Business Contributions and Initiatives for its National Training Initiative (NTI) program, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, awarded to C.A.S.E., nominated by Uma Ahluwalia, Health Management Associates
• National Angel in Adoption, Congressional Coalition on Adoption, awarded to C.A.S.E. National Training Director Dawn Wilson, MSW

2017

• Appreciation Award presented by the Fairfax, Virginia Department of Social Services to the staff at C.A.S.E.’s Annandale, Virginia office during the National Adoption Month Ceremonies.

• “Caring, Daring, Sharing” Leadership Award,  presented to C.A.S.E. CEO Debbie Riley by Branching Out Gala Co-Chairs Phil Gibbs and Maria Garcia Anderson for all of the lives Debbie has touched through her dedication and work for the foster care and adoption community.

2016

• Catalogue for Philanthropy – C.A.S.E. recognized as “One of the Best” Featured Charity

2015

• Adoption Excellence Award, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, awarded to C.A.S.E. CEO Debbie Riley, nominated by Rita Soren, President and CEO of the Dave Thomas Foundation Read More About Debbie’s Adoption Excellence Award

• Professional of the Year Award, Maryland Resource Parent Association, awarded to C.A.S.E. Wendy’s Wonderful Kids Recruiter, Adrienne Jubilee

2014

• Dunkin’ Donuts Community Hero Award, C.A.S.E. CEO Debbie Riley

2013-2014

• Catalogue for Philanthropy – C.A.S.E. recognized as “One of the Best” Featured Charity

2010

• Jockey Being Family, Jockey International Appreciation Award in recognition of dedication to post-adoption services, awarded to C.A.S.E.
• Audrey Robbins Humanitarian Award of “Volunteer of the Year” awarded to C.A.S.E. Founders, Michael and Kathleen Dugan

2009

• Bank of America’s Local Hero Award for “Individuals who champion causes vital to their communities and inspire others to get involved” awarded to Michael and Kathleen Dugan

2008-2009

• Catalogue for Philanthropy – C.A.S.E. recognized as “One of the Best” Featured Charity

2005

• Adoption Excellence Award, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, awarded to C.A.S.E.

2003

• Organizational Angel in Adoption, Congressional Coalition on Adoption Institute, awarded to C.A.S.E.
• Voice for Adoption Award for Outstanding Work in Post-Adoption Services, awarded to C.A.S.E.
• Outstanding Activist Award, Maryland Council on Abuse and Neglect, awarded to C.A.S.E. CEO, Debbie Riley

2002

• National Angel in Adoption, Congressional Coalition on Adoption, awarded to C.A.S.E. Founders, Michael and Kathleen Dugan

2001

• Outstanding Public-Private Partnership Award, Montgomery County, Maryland Department of Health and Human Services, awarded to C.A.S.E.
• Whitney M. Young, Jr. Memorial Community Service Award from the Greater Washington Urban League, awarded to C.A.S.E. Founders, Michael and Kathleen Dugan

1994

• Maryland Governor’s Award for Therapeutic Parents of the Year, awarded to C.A.S.E. Founders, Michael and Kathleen Dugan

1992

• Honorary Degrees, Belmont University, in recognition of work on behalf of special-needs foster children, awarded to C.A.S.E. Founders, Michael and Kathleen Dugan