"As an African American man who grew up in Brooklyn, New York, Phil has navigated the racial barriers his entire adult life, coming to Morehead State University in the early 70s. He graduated from Morehead State University and has remained in Minnesota his entire adult life, receiving his M.S.W. from the University of Minnesota. Phil has been a community worker at Phyllis Wheatley, a team leader at St. Joseph's Home for Children, and a social worker in private foster care. In each of these jobs he has taken on leadership roles, especially in the area of racial diversity. At the same time, as a male in a predominantly female profession, he has also carefully navigated through female-run and dominated organizations. Although it hasn't always been easy, especially when it appears that he is being patronized, Phil maintains an incredible attitude of respect and dignity for all. He has an uncanny ability to not only withstand racist and sexist attitudes and conversations, but even confront them with an air of respect and support for the other.

"Phil is extremely active in his community, running little league baseball and basketball teams, park programs for youth at risk, and summer camps. When kids act up or act out, Phil takes the time to talk with them, offer advice and serve as a mentor. Everyone involved in the park programs in Brooklyn Park knows Phil Larkins because of his constant presence for over 20 years.

"Phil has also been very active in the Mental Health Collaborative in Hennepin County. He has been in leadership positions on the Collaborative and has been instrumental in securing funds for the North Hennepin suburban area. This experience shrewdly joined his knowledge of the mental health system with his strong love of and advocacy for kids.

"As a social worker at Family Alternatives Phil has had a variety of leadership positions while at the same time maintaining a caseload. When Phil is given a job to do we can count on it being done and being done well. As he frequently says, "I'll step up to the plate." Because he is one of the few men on staff, he is often asked to be the one who will shop for the groceries for the kid's retreats, bringing the grills for the family picnics, and help move things around in the office. He willingly pitches in and never leaves a task until it's done. He is a team leader and a team player, always responding to what needs to get done.

"Perhaps most importantly, Phil is the kind of social worker that every kid would want to have. He develops strong relationships with the young people on his caseload, mostly male African American youth who are at risk. Phil develops wonderful plans with the kids, which helps them set a course to finish school, get jobs, play sports and be involved in their community. Once those things happen, Phil proceeds to act as a liaison, a support person and a mentor with the schools, the bosses, the community centers, and the coaches. He wants kids to succeed and he wants kids to know that he is there for them in whatever way they may need. At the same time, he's careful not to do it for them, but to do it with them. He helps kids make and maintain connections and he honors those connections that the kids make. If a kid goes on run, Phil will go where the kid is to pick him up. If a kid is arrested, Phil goes to the Juvenile Detention Center to meet with him. If a kid goes to court, Phil is in the courtroom with him helping everyone to address the issues and further develop what the kids need to succeed. One testament to the kind of work that Phil does is the fact that he continues to meet with kids who have been on his caseload and are now adults. These young men come back to him for advice, for support, and for affirmation.

"Phil is an extremely ethical person. He is very open in his interactions with kids and families and he advocates for the best foster care and social work practice. He doesn't compromise what he knows to be good for kids and is very willing to confront situations which he deems are not in the best interests of the kids.

"It is with great pleasure and honor that I present Phil as the Minnesota Social Worker of the Year for 2008. Our profession would be well served to have many Phillip Larkins."