Valerie Delong is a Consultant for Child Welfare and Youth Services in Social Development, New Brunswick. Valerie has worked as a front-line social worker in many program areas, including Child Protection and Adult Protection, prior to becoming the Provincial Consultant for Family Supports for Children with Disabilities, Children’s Resource Services, Birth Parent Services, and Open Custody. She is also the Coordinator for Provincial Complex Case and the liaison to the Foster Families Association and the Group Home Association. Through her work, Valerie has had a vastly positive impact on the children of New Brunswick. In addition to having worked as a social worker for over 30 years, Valerie also finds time to volunteer in her community and has been a valued member of various committees with the NBASW, including the Bylaws Committee and as Fredericton Chapter President. Valerie is known for being humble and selfless and never hesitating to help a person in need. She confronts injustice and unfairness head on, accepting these challenges as part of her responsibility to the profession and as a caring human being. Valerie exemplifies social work values in her everyday life and is a role model for many social workers in the field. It is with honour that we present Valerie Delong as the recipient for this years Distinguished Service Award.