[Congressional Record Volume 146, Number 67 (Thursday, May 25, 2000)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E874]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                        A TRIBUTE TO JANE SMITH

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. JAMES A. BARCIA

                              of michigan

                    in the house of representatives

                         Thursday, May 25, 2000

  Mr. BARCIA. Mr. Speaker, the most important and valuable resource we 
have in this country is our children. Providing a safe environment to 
grow and learn has always been this country's number one priority. 
Today, I rise to recognize Jane Smith of Bay City, Michigan, a 
wonderful woman who has dedicated her life to protecting and nurturing 
children. She is retiring from the Bay County Family Independence 
Agency after 24 years of service.
  A graduate of Michigan State University, Jane began her renowned 
career as a child care worker in Saginaw, Michigan. Assisting families 
with their child care needs and making home calls to help families with 
their physical and emotional needs was natural for her and laid the 
foundation for what would become a distinguished professional career 
dedicated to protecting children who were being physically abused.
  After working in both Genesee and Wayne County as a foster care 
worker, Jane transferred to the Bay County Department, as a Children's 
Protective Services worker. It was here, in Bay County, where her 
contributions and efforts on behalf of Michigan's children and families 
are legendary. Her tireless efforts investigating cases of child sexual 
abuse undoubtedly saved thousands of children from being further 
victims of violence and abuse. She established the procedures for what 
has become the Bay County Child Sexual Abuse Procedural Manual. She has 
worked closely with Lutheran Child and Family Services to develop child 
sexual abuse counseling and the Parents United Program. She enjoys an 
excellent relationship with school administrators, the Courts in Bay 
County, area police departments and the Prosecutor's office. Among her 
peers, Jane is often solicited for her expert opinion and suggestions 
for handling sensitive cases.
  Mr. Speaker, I have seen first-hand Jane's selfless efforts on behalf 
of Michigan's children. As a member of the State Senate, I worked 
closely with Jane to author an amendment to the Child Abuse law, that 
makes it mandatory for Children's Protective Services workers to notify 
the police of all cases relating to child sexual abuse. Her expansive 
knowledge, testimony in front of the committee and constant advocation 
were key to the amendment being passed by the House and Senate and 
signed into law by the Governor James Blanchard on December 27, 1984.
  Mr. Speaker, I invite you and my colleagues to join with me in 
congratulating Jane Smith on the occasion of her retirement from the 
Bay County Family Independent Agency and thanking her for her years of 
exemplary service to the community, especially the children of Bay 
County. She has truly been an advocate for those who could not speak up 
for themselves. Our community is certainly a better place because of 
Jane's hard work. I wish her well and hope that the days ahead are 
filled with the good fruits of a well deserved retirement.

                          ____________________