"The Office of Children’s Services will centralize and streamline the policies and procedures we use to provide a comprehensive array of services, treatment, and care to this population," Sawyer said. Sawyer also announced that DMH/MR employee Steve LaFreniere would assume leadership of the new office. "Steve is a dedicated professional who has devoted years to this department. He is a widely respected and well qualified individual and has extensive experience working with children."

LaFreniere began his work in the mental health field in 1994, when he was hired by the Montgomery Area Mental Health Authority as a Mental Health Therapist. In 1997, he moved to the DMH/MR and was named Coordinator of Child and Adolescent Services in the Mental Illness Division in March 2001. He was named Director of the Office of Children’s Services on September 10, 2001. LaFreniere has a Master’s degree in Clinical Psychology from Auburn University Montgomery.

"This is definitely an exciting time for the DMH/MR and for Alabama’s children," LaFreniere said. "I commend Commissioner Sawyer and her Task Force on Children’s Services for realizing that a comprehensive Office of Children’s Services would better serve Alabama’s youth. I am excited to be in the process of getting the office up and running. Our first project will be helping educate Alabama parents and educators about important issues involving children’s mental health for the upcoming Mental Illness Awareness Week observation." Mental Illness Awareness Week is October 8-12, 2001.