Gary B. Melton Award

The Gary B. Melton Award was established in 2020. It recognizes outstanding achievement in the creation of safe and humane communities for children and families. 

SUBMIT A NOMINATION

Dr. Melton served as president of the Global Alliance for Behavioral Health and Social Justice (then the American Orthopsychiatric Association) from 2004-2005, co-editor of American Journal of Orthopsychiatry from 2010-2014, and senior editor for the journal until his passing. His scope of knowledge and expertise extended across a number of disciplines, social concerns, and national borders. Dr. Melton focused much of his considerable passion and talent on children and families – more specifically, on the creation of safe and humane settings for children and families. 

Individuals considered for the Gary B. Melton Award have made a significant contribution to one or more of the following: 

• Fostering responsive community systems (e.g., child welfare/child protection, education, mental health, juvenile justice);
• Creating caring communities that support families and children, whether via programs, service systems, or informal supports;
• Engaging citizens in action to support children and families in the context of their everyday lives; 
• Promoting norms of inclusion and civility in neighborhoods and communities;
• Developing or strengthening sense of community and connectedness;
• Building a culture of caring and instilling norms of community responsibility; or
• Protecting and elevating human rights, including the rights and safety of children.