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Dr. Austin Griffiths Service Before Self Award


The Dr. Austin Griffiths Service Before Self Award recognizes significant selfless service to the Kentucky child welfare community.  “Service before self” is the motto of the U.S. Air Force. It means that one believes professional duties take precedence over personal desires. Dr. Austin Griffiths was first introduced to this concept when he served in the U.S. Air Force.  During his military service, he embraced the mission of serving our country, before himself.  However, he continued to operationalize this mission, as a civilian, when he began his career as a frontline child welfare worker in 2007.  Instead of serving the Air Force, he began serving children and families of Kentucky.  Even though Dr. Griffiths left the Cabinet for Health and Family Services in 2013, his service to child welfare, including the child welfare workforce, has not changed.  In fact, the research conducted through LCCWEAR, coupled with his student mentorship, will positively impact the lives of KY children and families for years to come. To that end, the Center would like to honor a current or retired child-serving professional who has also dedicated their career to serving families and children. 

Austin Award


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 Last Modified 1/13/23