Donna J. Stone conceived and founded Prevent Child Abuse America in 1972 and served as an inspiring leader until her death in 1985.  This award was established by Prevent Child Abuse North Carolina in 1986 in her memory. 

Donna envisioned a unique partnership that would end child abuse in the U.S.  She saw prevention as the solution and volunteerism as the means – prevention because one abused child is one too many, and volunteerism because it embodies giving oneself – the pinnacle of charity. 

Therefore, the Donna J. Stone Award is presented to an individual, agency, organization, or program that shares her dedication to ending child abuse and neglect. This award is presented bi-annually at our statewide conference on child abuse and neglect. 

The 2006 Donna Stone Award was presented in March at our 25th Statewide Conference on Child Abuse and Neglect.  Andrea Benfield was the 2006 recipient.

Although Andrea officially “retired” in 1996 after 25+ years as a child welfare supervisor and administrator with Catawba County Social Services, her advocacy and compassion for abused children remains unparelled in Catawba County

With remarkable vision in 1983, Andrea advocated for the development of a formalized risk assessment tool.  With a core of state leaders, she worked to develop the tool that was formally adopted by the state of NC in 1993.  In the 1980’s she led Catawba County in establishing Minimal Standards of Care for children and social work standards, eventually adopted by the state.  In 1991 she established Catawba County first multidisciplinary team to investigate serious physical and sexual child abuse; this model is now widely used in child advocacy centers. She also drafted legislation and advocated to raise the age of consent, resulting gin new statutory rape penalties in 1992.

Since her retirements Andrea has continued to provide strong leadership to the Children’s Protection Council, an all volunteer prevention group who sponsors the many activities in Catawba County- including three dramatic media campaigns,  and a parents support  program,  the annual child fatality vigil and the child abuse prevention banquet.

Andrea continues to share her wisdom and passion by teaching social work students, and serving on the NC Social Work Certification Board and in counseling private clients.

She is compassionate, creative and determined that vulnerable children will be protected and that families will be strengthened to nurture and protect their children for the future.

The world is indeed a better place because of this year’s recipient - Andrea Benfield!