Victor Vieth, director of the National Child Protection Training Center (NCPTC) at Winona State University, is among five individuals being honored for “Outstanding Service to the Profession” by Minnesota Lawyer, an independent weekly newspaper.

Vieth, who received a bachelor’s degree from WSU and earned his Juris Doctor from Hamline University School of Law, was recognized by the editorial staff of Minnesota Lawyer for his work to eliminate child abuse by designing training programs for prosecutors on a national level.

“[Victor] has spent his whole career trying to protect the most vulnerable members of society—children,” said Tom Harbinson, NCPTC Staff Attorney. “His job as a lawyer isn’t just about public service but about serving a higher purpose—achieving justice for children.”

Since 2003, Vieth has served as director of NCPTC. The center handles training and technical assistance involving dependency, neglect and termination of parental rights matters involving child abuse, as well as development of curriculums to educate college students on how to investigate and handle child abuse cases.

“Victor has always been committed to providing the best services for children in the legal context. He works tirelessly to use the tools available in the legal system to stop the abuse of children,” said Tom Frost, Executive Director of CornerHouse, an Interagency Child Abuse Evaluation and Training Center in Minneapolis.

Vieth is also the author of Unto the Third Generation, an initiative that has as its goal the elimination of child abuse in the United States over the course of a century. He has trained professionals from all 50 states, two U.S. Territories and 17 countries on numerous topics involving child abuse investigations, prosecutions, trial strategies and prevention methods.

“He is a man of great passion and commitment who I truly believe will one day be remembered and honored as a visionary in the field of child protection in America,” said James Backstrom, Dakota County Attorney. “Children in Minnesota and throughout our country will be safer for generations to come because of Victor Vieth’s tireless efforts.”

The “Outstanding Service to the Profession” honorees were recognized by the paper as individuals who “have strengthened the state’s legal community through many years of dedicated service.” An upcoming special section of Minnesota Lawyer will highlight the accomplishments of these award recipients, along with the 2007 “Attorneys of the Year,” and a dinner celebration will take place Feb. 21 at the Hyatt Regency Minneapolis. For more information visit: www.minnlawyer.com.

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