Mary V. Johnson Award Nomination
Mary V. Johnson Idaho Adoption Advocate of the Year
The Mary V. Johnson, Idaho Adoption Advocate of the Year award was introduced in 2000 to recognize dedication to excellence and service provided by the adoption community and professionals in Idaho. The inaugural award was presented to Mary V. Johnson, the adoption supervisor from Region VI (Pocatello) who had recently retired. Mary had given more than 30 years of service to Idaho’s children-with a substantial amount of time dedicated to children who waited for a permanent family. Mary passed away on January 20, 2001. in recognition of Mary’s years of service and dedication to the children of Idaho, the award was named in her honor. The award is now presented on an annual basis each November, as part of Idaho’s celebration during National Adoption Month.
Nominee: Mark Iverson
Nominated by: Donna Euler, Program Supervisor-Adoption services, Idaho Youth Ranch
Mr. Iverson has been providing legal services related to the field of adoption in northern Idaho and Eastern Washington for more than 20 years. He is the adoptive parent of three children, two adopted domestically and one adopted from Korea. He was recently named a member of the American Academy of Adoption Attorneys, one of only five attorneys so recognized in Idaho and is particularly sensitive and supportive in dealing with birth parents regarding the voluntary termination of their parental rights. He also handles a significant number of guardianship and adoption cases for grandparents and relatives who have accepted placement of children through the state child welfare system.
Mr. Iverson recognizes that individuals looking into adoption may be confronted with information that can be overwhelming and confusing. He is committed to adoption education as evidenced by his website and the fact that he has an Adoption Consultant on staff to assist adoptive families with the adoption process. This individual has 36 years of experience in the field of child welfare. His website provides a wealth of concise, easy to understand information for both birth parents and adoptive families.
Mr. Iverson has a personal and professional commitment to making the adoption process easier to navigate and has been a long-time supporter of adoption and speeding permanency for children.
