Valerie McDaniels
Illinois Department of Children and Family Service (IDCFS)
Retiree
Valerie McDaniels is a retiree of Illinois Department of Children and Family Service (IDCFS) after 30 years of services. She began her career as a Child Protection Investigator (CPI). She held many managerial positions during her tenure within the Division of Child Protection. She retired as an Associate Deputy Director Bureau of Operations in Cook County. Prior to IDCFS, she worked approximately eight years as a Case Manager with various foster care private agencies. She obtained A.M. from University of Chicago-Social Service Administration (SSA) in 1997 and a B.S. in Corrections from Illinois State University in 1978.
She was blessed to have provided skillful services such as safety and well-being assurance to children and their families, whereby possible. Otherwise, children were removed. She attended an outstanding number of clinical and trauma-informed care trainings during her 38 years of child welfare services. She has received numerous recognitions such as plaques, awards, certificates, etc., during her career. Her compassion for children and families comes from within her heart and soul. Since retirement and her sincere care for families, she signed up as a Substitute Teacher in varies school districts for over one year and half. Here are some of her accomplishments are as followed:
Serve on Lansing Human Relations Commission, Chairperson
Serve on the Executive Board of Prevent Child Abuse of Illinois, Vice President.
Serve as a member on Common Ground Organization in Lansing.
Served on Illinois State University Black Colleague Association.
Served at University of Chicago as SSA Alumni Board of Directors.
Served as DBW Scholarship Commission Representative.
Served as a Certified Team Leader and Military Lead Reviewer: Case Reviewer for Council on Accreditation (COA) located in N.Y. Reviewed both public and private child welfare organizations across the country.
Council on Accreditation (COA) – Team Leader of the Month
Former member of Salvation Army’s Promise Committee- Human Trafficking.
Developed and amended policies and procedures.
Created various training modules for staff, organizational presentations, i.e., “Team Building”, “Lack of Sensitivity Causes a Chilling Effect”, “Intact Family Services”, Investigations, A knock at Your Door”, etc.
Mentored University of Chicago- SSA Undergraduates and Graduate students’ professional development and career choices in child welfare.
IDCFS Outstanding Regional Resource Fair – 500 plus attendants.
She enjoys times at church, with family and friends; enjoys lots of laughter, happiness, peace; and maintains faith, hope, and courage for all.
Be Strong Families Webinars:
A Community Taking Action Against Child Abuse