The Ministry of Labour, Family and Social Affairs conferred awards in the field of social assistance and foster care in 2009.   Martina Jenkole was the recipient of an award for achievements in individual areas of work in the last two years, for the project “Advocate – A Child’s Voice”.   

The Human Rights Ombudsman, Dr Zdenka Čebašek–Travnik, drew attention at the ceremony to the values underpinning human rights that are "not sufficiently considered, enforced and stressed." “I am concerned that trust in state institutions that should ensure the enforcement of human rights, is diminishing. I am referring here to the judiciary, health care, and social care," added the Ombudsman.

Aljoša Redžepovič was honoured for lifetime achievements, on the proposal of the Association of Deaf and Hard of Hearing of Slovenia. The Ministry also awarded foster parent recognitions to Aleksandra Šemen, Terezija Hladin and Marija Pajek for many years of successful foster care.