Kathleen Borland, LCSW, ACSW receives the 2004 International Rhoda G. Sarnat Award Presented by the NASW Foundation

For Immediate Release
August 27, 2004

Contact
NASW Communications
202-336-8228
lcurry@naswdc.org

Kathleen Borland, LCSW, ACSW receives the 2004 International Rhoda G. Sarnat Award Presented by the NASW Foundation

Washington-- The National Association of Social Workers Foundation (NASWF) is pleased to name Kathleen Borland, MSW, ACSW as the winner of the 2004 International Rhoda G. Sarnat Award.

The International Rhoda G. Sarnat Award is given to an individual, group, or organization that has significantly advanced the public image of professional social work. This monetary prize is made possible from an endowment fund established by a generous contribution in 1996 from distinguished social worker Rhoda G. Sarnat, LCSW and Bernard Sarnat, MD.

Ms. Borland has been instrumental in organizing international exchange opportunities for social workers in Illinois as Chair of the International Activities Network (IAN) through the NASW-IL chapter. This organization consists of more than 30 volunteer social workers from the state who work in youth and family agencies; community-based services; universities; county and state government; court services; and hospitals. These social workers participate in exchange programs through the Chicago Sister Cities International Program (CSCIP) where Ms. Borland organizes the exchange of social service professionals.

Chicago Mayor Richard Daley appointed Ms. Borland to the Board of Directors of CSCIP in 2004. Through Ms. Borland's efforts over the last seven yearswith IAN and CSCIPmore than 600 social service professionals from three continents have directly participated in IAN's eleven exchange programs.

Thousands of social service professionals worldwide have benefited from Ms. Borland's work through written reports, publications, and presentations given by exchange delegates, which have covered issues ranging from poverty and substance abuse to child abuse and human rights violations.

These exchange delegates have publicized the importance of social work in the global community and have had major impacts on systems changes. For example, a Birmingham , England delegate redesigned the Social Services Department's Juvenile Offender Programs to reflect lessons learned in Chicago .

A Durban , South Africa delegate took a Chicago foster care training program and initiated its Department of Social Welfare's first training for foster parents.

According to Ms. Thobie Mhlongo, the Durban , South Africa delegate I have no doubt that both cities have contributed to a program that will change the face of social work practice with children, youth, and families forever.

Kathleen has made a difference through her dream and believing in it and by being creative and innovative, says Fikile N.M. Mazibuko, Executive Dean, University of KwaZulu-Natal , South Africa , and host to a Fall 2004 exchange for Chicago social workers.

A centuries-old court mediation service in Hamburg , Germany for the first time began to explore strategies involving children in mediation, mandated mediation, and multi-cultural techniques.

According to Jürgen Tormählen, former head of International Relations at the Hamburg State Youth Authority, Kathleen is a driving power in development of international relations. She is an excellent representative of American social work. She continues to make a positive impact on the public perception of social work on the international stage.

Ms. Julie Stagliano, Director of the CSCIP says, Ms. Borland has been instrumental in ensuring success and sustainability of the exchange idea through the successful pattern of multi-country and city participation.

There will be future exchanges with Accra , Ghana ; Delhi , India ; and Mexico City , Mexico , Stagliano adds.

Ms. Borland 's full-time occupation is family mediation for the Circuit Court of Cook County , headed by Chief Judge Timothy Evans. Judge Evans, along with Domestic Relations Presiding Judge Moshe Jacobius, and Dr. David Royko, Director of the Marriage & Family Counseling Service, the court's mediation service for which Ms. Borland works, have been exceptionally supportive of her innovative ideas, allowing Ms. Borland the freedom to pursue her international work. She earned her MSW from Loyola University of Chicago, School of Social Work and a BA from Barat College in Lake Forest , IL .

To interview Ms. Borland, please contact NASW Communications at media@naswdc.org

For more information about the NASW Foundation or awards, please contact NASWF via email at naswfoundation@naswdc.org

The National Association of Social Workers Foundation (NASWF), in Washington , DC , focuses on enhancing the well-being of individuals, families, and communities through the advancement of social work practice.

http://www.socialworkers.org/pressroom/2004/foundationAwards/sarnat.asp

4/9/2013