Gwen Arthur is the recipient of the 2005 Louise Pittman Award for Excellence in Child Welfare. The Department of Human Resources presented her with the award Thursday, June 16th in Mobile. Ms. Arthur, a thirty-one year veteran with DHR, received the award primarily because of "her deep commitment to the children we serve and vast knowledge of permanence and what that can bring to every child in the system" stated her supervisor Catherine Teal.
Ms. Arthur is considered an expert in her field and was chosen recently by the Juvenile Judge in Mobile’s Circuit Court to serve in The Court Improvement Project. This project is a collaboration of Judges, Juvenile Officers, DHR and others to provide smooth transitions throughout the various systems.
Ms. Arthur was chosen as Social Worker of the Year in 1993-1994. She is knowledgeable in all areas of Foster Care and Adoption Policy and procedure. She is a talented and caring person and makes every effort to provide quality service and attention to the children in her caseload. She is an outstanding employee who has integrity and conviction and is an excellent example to all that this work is important and meaningful.
DHR first established the Louise Pittman Award for Excellence in Child Welfare in 1990 to recognize committed line workers and supervisors who work to improve the outcomes for children and families that we serve.
Miss Pittman dedicated her career to child welfare for over 50 years. Her entire professional and personal life was devoted to enhancing the lives of Alabama’s children. Miss Pittman passed peacefully in her sleep earlier this year.