YCS Recognized as 2026 Angels in Adoption Honoree
Specialized Treatment Homes Program representatives bring experiences of New Jersey children and families to Capitol Hill
WEST ORANGE, N.J. (October 14, 2026) – Youth Consultation Service (YCS), a non-profit behavioral health and social services agency in New Jersey, was recognized as a 2026 Angels in Adoption? honoree by the Congressional Coalition on Adoption Institute (CCAI), highlighting the organization’s work supporting children and families across New Jersey.
YCS was nominated for national recognition by U.S. Senator Cory Booker in honor of the work of its Specialized Treatment Homes Program. The program is part of YCS’s continuum of therapeutic residential services, which provide individualized care and support for children and adolescents with emotional, behavioral and developmental needs in safe, structured environments.
Representatives from the Specialized Treatment Homes Program, Tracie Bass, Assistant Vice President of the Specialized Treatment Homes and Anthony Raymond, Coordinator of Recruitment/Licensing, recently traveled to Washington, D.C. for the 2026 Angels in Adoption? Leadership Program and Celebration, joining fellow honorees and child welfare advocates from across the country for two days of education, advocacy and connection.
The program included policy sessions, federal initiative discussions and opportunities for honorees to share their experiences and perspectives on issues affecting children, families and the child welfare system. During Advocacy on the Hill, YCS representatives met with members of Congress and congressional staff to discuss their work and the needs of the children and families they serve.
“One of the most meaningful parts of the Hill experience was having the opportunity to tell our stories and advocate for children, families, and the child welfare system,” said Tracie Bass, LCSW, Assistant Vice President of YCS’s Specialized Treatment Homes Program.
Among the congressional offices visited were those of U.S. Senators Cory Booker, Andy Kim, Chris Van Hollen and Angela Alsobrooks, U.S. Representative Tom Kean Jr. and U.S. Representative April McClain Delaney. Bass said meeting with Booker, who nominated YCS for the recognition, was a particular highlight of the experience and provided an opportunity for the group to speak with him directly about their work and experiences.
“We are humbled whenever we receive recognition for the outstanding work that we perform on a daily basis here within our program and agency,” said William Waller III, Vice President of the Specialized Treatment Homes . “It reminds all of us of the dire importance of our work, our mission, and who it impacts.”
The experience also gave YCS staff an opportunity to see the connection between their work in New Jersey communities and broader policy conversations taking place at the federal level.
“I am honored to have been part of such an inspiring experience and grateful to have represented YCS alongside so many dedicated advocates from across the country,” Bass said. “I look forward to carrying these conversations, connections, and lessons back into my work and continuing to advocate for the children and families we serve.”
The program concluded with the 28th Angels in Adoption? Celebration, which brought together honorees, advocates and members of the adoption and child welfare community to recognize their contributions and build continued momentum around issues affecting children and families.
The Angels in Adoption? Leadership Program recognizes individuals and organizations from across the country for their contributions to adoption, foster care and child welfare. Through the program, honorees also have opportunities to connect with policymakers, advocates and others working to improve outcomes for children and families.
To learn more about YCS and its therapeutic residential programs, visit www.ycs.org.
About YCS
Since 1918, YCS has been providing services to thousands of New Jersey families who have children, birth through adulthood, with special needs. Some children are separated from their loved ones and have been affected by trauma; others are challenged by complex intellectual and developmental disabilities that adversely affect their behavior. Caring YCS staff provide individualized, educational, mental health and/or behavioral health services across 70 programs throughout the state. Our mission is to partner with at-risk children who have special needs and adults with developmental disabilities, to build happier, healthier, more hopeful lives within their families and communities.
What's Related