Representatives from the agencies recognized by the Friends of the Children’s Justice Center of Oahu.
The Friends of the Children’s Justice Center of Oʻahu held a recognition luncheon titled “Heroes of Hope” on April 22, 2016, to honor several community and public agencies for their “unwavering commitment and compassion to meet the needs of hundreds of children who have been physically and sexually abused in our community” at the O‘ahu County Club.
The agencies honored were Catholic Charities of Hawai‘i, Child and Family Services, Children’s Justice Center of O‘ahu and Consultants, City and County of Honolulu (Department of the Prosecuting Attorney, Domestic Violence division, Victim Witness Kōkua Services), Family Court of the First Circuit (CASA Program, Family Court Judges, Family Court Program Specialists), Honolulu Police Department (Sex Crimes and Child Abuse details), Kapi‘olani Child Protection Center, Sex Abuse Treatment Center, State of Hawaii Department of the Attorney General, State of Hawai‘i Department of Public Safety and the State of Hawai‘i, Department of Human Services (O‘ahu Special Services Units 1 & 2, and O‘ahu Child Welfare Services Units 1 & 2).
Pictured above David Kam (left), DHS Child Welfare Service Branch O‘ahu Section 1 Administrator with the Honorable Mark E. Recktenwald, Hawai‘i Supreme Court Chief Justice
Following a sumptuous lunch, a short program was held. The program included the presentation of plaques to each of the agencies by Mr. Roy Amemiya Jr., managing director of the City and County of Honolulu. Mr. Amemiya, representing Mayor Kirk Caldwell, wanted to acknowledge the dedicated work that is done every day by these “Heroes of Hope” to assist children and families who have experienced abuse and neglect.