FBI Announces 2011 Recipient of Director’s Community Leadership Award

James Casey, Special Agent in Charge of the Jacksonville Division of the FBI, announced today that Valerie Stanley, coordinator of the University of Florida’s First Coast Child Protection Team, has been named the recipient of the 2011 Director’s Community Leadership Award.

Established in 1990, the Director’s Community Leadership Award is presented each year by FBI field offices to individuals whose achievements in the areas of crime prevention, drug deterrence, or similar educational programs have made a positive difference in their communities. Past Jacksonville recipients of the award include Assistant State Attorney Bernie de la Rionda, Robin Sorensen of Firehouse Subs, Inc., Ann Dugger of the Justice Coalition, Delores Barr Weaver, and former Sheriff Nat Glover.

Ms. Stanley is being recognized for her diligent efforts in providing services to children who have been the victims of physical and sexual abuse, as well as other types of neglect. The Child Protection Team (CPT) is a component of the University of Florida’s College of Medicine, Jacksonville Division of Child Protection & Forensic Pediatrics. CPT team members provide expertise in evaluating alleged child abuse and neglect, assessing risk and protective factors, and providing recommendations for interventions to protect children and enhance a caregiver’s capacity to provide a safer environment when possible.

Agents assigned to the FBI’s cyber squad have worked closely with CPT members on numerous occasions in their investigations of crimes against children. Without exception, Ms. Stanley and her staff have responded quickly and professionally to assess the situations, assist agents in arranging forensic interviews of the victims, and provide appropriate assistance to the victims’ families. Beyond that, they have done so with genuine compassion and concern for those they serve.

Mr. Casey presented Ms. Stanley with the award today in a ceremony at the FBI’s Jacksonville Field Office. She will also be invited to travel to Washington, D.C. in March 2012, along with other recipients from around the country, to be recognized by FBI Director Robert S. Mueller.