[Congressional Record Volume 148, Number 21 (Monday, March 4, 2002)]
[Senate]
[Page S1420]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                      TRIBUTE TO BEVERLY LAFFERTY

 Mr. JOHNSON. Mr. President, I rise today to pay tribute to 
Beverly Lafferty of Rapid City, SD. On March 1, 2002, Bev retired from 
Child Protection Services after 34 years of dedication to the children 
and families in my home State of South Dakota.
  Bev began her career as a child protection social worker in Rapid 
City on July 1, 1968. Her gentle nature and caring heart have helped 
many families in South Dakota through the adoption process. As a 
founding member of the Congressional Coalition on Adoption, I have had 
the honor of nominating Bev for the coalition's annual Angels in 
Adoption awards. Bev is an example to our entire Nation of the joys 
associated with adoption, and I commend her work, especially her 
devotion to Native American children and families.
  Adoptive parents, judges, social workers, and others involved with 
the adoption process truly are angels who do not gain the recognition 
they deserve on a day to day basis. Bev's recognition as an ``Angel in 
Adoption'' in 2001 was one way for me to help recognize the important 
contributions Bev makes to the lives of children and to our 
communities.
  As a parent, I know the challenges and joys of raising a family, and 
that is why I have made it one of my priorities in Congress to make 
adoptions easier for families. Bev's work in Rapid City has made the 
adoption process easier for children and families in that community. 
Although I know that she will be missed, her impact in the adoption 
community will be felt for many years to come. I wish her all the best 
as she moves on to enjoy the next phase of her life.

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