Berkshire Juvenile Court Probation Officer Is Honored
For Her Work With Children

Berkshire County Juvenile Court Probation Officer Nancy J. Macauley recently received the 2008 Gerard D. Downing Service to Children Award for her many years of dedicated work with troubled children in the Berkshires and on the North Shore.

The award is named for Berkshire District Attorney Gerard D. Downing who served as D.A. from 1991 until his sudden passing in 2003. Downing is remembered for his commitment to community service and improving the lives of children.

Macauley, a 11-year Probation Officer, received the award at the Fifth Annual Gerard D. Downing Service to Children Award Ceremony held at the Pittsfield-based Berkshire Museum earlier this month, National Child Abuse Prevention Month. Berkshire District Attorney David F. Capeless presented the award. State Senator Benjamin B. Downing was on hand to extend a citation from the Massachusetts Senate.

“It’s been a privilege to work with children and families who have given me so much. I am grateful that my Chief Probation Officer gives me the opportunity to be creative in my role as a Probation Officer. This award is about everyone who sees the importance of children in the world today,” said Macauley.

Berkshire Juvenile Court Probation Officer William Gale said of Macauley and her award, “This award is the result of years of hard work, commitment and dedication to the needs of Berkshire County youth and families.”

Macauley oversees the Shakespeare in the Courts Program which was one of 17 cultural arts programs from across the nation chosen to receive the “Coming Up Taller Award,” presented by First Lady Laura Bush at the White House last year.

With a keen interest in truancy prevention, Macauley is involved in several other arts programs created to promote arts education and enhance social behavior among juveniles. The RAISE Program, a collaborative effort between the courts and the Clark Art Institute, and the CHOICES Program for adolescent girls are just two of the many initiatives that she dedicates her time to.