Cass Elias McCarter Guardian ad Litem Program
YOUR VOICE. Man Up!
5 profiles of stellar male GALs National Exhibit stops in Spartanburg
Community Resources for Families Free Download inside
August 2012
YOUR VOICE. Cass Elias McCarter Guardian ad Litem Program
YOUR VOICE.
So many exciting things have been going on in the past few months!
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Our new director, Barbara Darley, is settling in and making tremendous efforts to meet with counties, getting to know them and the needs of the children each office serves.
3 GALs AboutTown Snapshots of county news.
There are no lazy, hazy days of summer in this organization. Counties have been moving busily through summer trainings and gearing up for stellar Fall classes.
August 2012
4 Exhibit Warms Hearts National Heart Gallery Exhibit makes a stop in Spartanburg. 5 Legislative Updates Guardian ad Litem General Counsel, Virginia Ravenel, presents legal topics of interest. 5 Community Resources Help families get on the right track with access to a free resource guide. 6 Spotlight on David Partin Award winning GAL shares his thoughts on giving back. 7 Extraordinary Men of GAL Male advocates from around the state share why they choose to stand up for children and be their voice.
As of late, we have been focused on not only serving the needs of the children with whom we work, but we are also examining how we can recruit one of our most valuable resources; strong, dedicated men. So for this issue, we would like to focus on the contributions of our male volunteers. This one is for the boys! We hope that you will pass this issue along to your male associates, colleagues, and family. An extra special “thank you� is extended to our male staff members throughout the state who provide invaluable ideas, case management expertise and leadership in this organization dominated by ladies. Allex Washington, Regional Supervisor, Region 2; Kevin Woodall, 16th Circuit Coordinator; Larry Zager, Chester and Fairfield County Coordinator; Rick McWhorter, Family Connections Coordinator; Brian Mercer, Dillon County Case Manager; and also Travoris Carter and Bill Hoppe, Greenville County Case Managers are our fearless men standing up for children on a daily basis in the office and out in their communities. Your feedback is always welcomed and appreciated. Enjoy the rest of your summer and thank you for all that each of you do for the children.
Wendi Rodgers, Editor
8 Ways to Help Help us get the word out about GAL and submit your ideas.
Connect With Us
1-800-277-0113 www.scgal.org August 2012
Questions or comments about the newsletter? Ideas for a story? Want to become a volunteer? Contact me at wrodgers@oepp.sc.gov or 864-467-2664. SCGAL.ORG
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GALs About Town: Snapshots of County Happenings
New GALs and Greenwood/ Abbeville Program Staff pose with Judge Deborah Neese, who conducted the ceremony. Pictured: (L to R) Crystal Noble – Coordinator, Carla Davis, Angela Parrish, Susan Clark, The Honorable Deborah Neese, Becky Flowers, Kay Dangerfield, Linda Klemm-Maxie – Case Manager, and Kervin Searles
April’s Your Voice cover girl and former foster child Shalena Williams is joined by her former GAL, Robin Freyburger, at the Dogs for a Cause game in Charleston.
Kersaw County volunteers celebrate the 25th anniversary of their county program. August 2012
Guest speakers at the July 17th Kiwanis Club meeting in Camden were Carolyn Morris and Elizabeth May. Carolyn Morris was the first coordinator of the Kershaw County GAL Program which is celebrating its 25th anniversary this year, and Elizabeth May is the current coordinator. Today, Ms. Morris is the Assistant Director of the Children’s Law Center. Pictured (l-r) are Kiwanis Club members and GALs Frank Bernhardt and Sallie Snider, Morris and May.
A fraction of the Public Awareness Team, Whitney Hagins, Cherie Walker, and Tracee Auman, eagerly awaits to greet volunteers at the Charleston RiverDogs Dogs for a Cause game. 1-800-277-0113
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National Exhibit Warms Hearts Chapman Cultural Center Hosts traveling exhibit
The National Heart Gallery Exhibit is currently on display at the Chapman Cultural Center in Spartanburg. The opening reception was held in July with a special appearance by Governor and First Gentleman Nikki and Michael Haley. Mr. Haley was a former foster child and announced that he will serve as a spokesperson for the South Carolina Heart Gallery. The exhibit has been touring since last Fall including stops in California and New York. The showing is to honor the 10th anniversary of the project. Since its debut, heart galleries around the nation have helped over 5,000 children find adoptive families.
Above: (L to R) Michelle Dhunjishah, Executive Director/General Counsel, Children’s Foster Care Review Board; Monica Hill, Member, Children’s Foster Care Review Board State Board of Directors; Isabel Blanco, Deputy State Director for Human Services, SC Department of Social Services; Sissy Brock, Chairperson, Children’s Foster Care Review Board State Board of Directors; Jessica Hanak-Coulter, Child Welfare Director, SC Department of Social Service; Anne Maertens, Community Member (former FCRB coordinator); and Beth Green, Program Director, Children’s Foster Care Review Board
Above: (L to R) Brothers and sisters, Octavia, Dashon, Javan, and Keyonna’s smiling faces were chosen as South Carolina’s entry in the traveling photography exhibit. Top Right: (L to R) MIllie Qualls, S.C. Heart Gallery Program Manager, guided Governor and First Gentleman Haley through the exhibit and stopped to discuss S.C.’s photo entry. August 2012 SCGAL.ORG
Formed in 2005, the South Carolina Heart Gallery is a collaborative program administered and supported by the Children’s Foster Care Review Board - Office of the Governor and the South Carolina Department of Social Services. This unique partnership enhances adoption recruitment opportunities for waiting children. Local photographers donate their services to provide portraits of the children, which are displayed in public venues around the state.
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Legislative Update
By Virginia Ravenel, General Counsel
The General Assembly concluded its 2011-12 session in June. Here is a recap:
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The “Restructuring Bill” did not pass. The GAL Program remains a part of the “Office of Executive Policy and Programs” within the Governor’s Office.
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The only legislation enacted that is relevant to child abuse and neglect actions amended S.C. Code Ann. 63-7-2350. The law, which identifies specific individuals who may not serve as a foster parent – such as individuals with a substantiated history of child abuse or neglect – was amended to apply also to prospective adoptive parents. In addition, the amendment added several criminal offenses to the list of offenses that bar an individual from serving as a foster or adoptive parent, including “criminal sexual conduct with a minor in the first degree.” Finally, the provision changed current law to explicitly preclude individuals from serving as a foster or adoptive parent if a person 18 years or older who has committed any of the enumerated offenses resides in their home. Legislators must reintroduce any bills that were pending at the close of the session when they return in January in order for the General Assembly to consider them.
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The General Assembly elected two new family court judges: The Honorable Karen F. Ballenger (10th Circuit) and The Honorable Robert Newton (11th Circuit).
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Resources Sometimes being a parent is a tough job and unfortunately, children don’t come with instruction manuals. To make a caretaker’s job a little easier, The Children’s Trust of South Carolina has compiled tools and resources to guide parents along the journey of raising children. The Community Resource Guide is available as a free download and can be found at www.scchildren.org/empower/prevention_resource_guide/. Share it with the families with whom you work and take away a few pointers for yourself!
August 2012
1-800-277-0113
COmmUNITy
prevention TIPS AND RESOURCES
A gREAT SOURCE Of TIPS AND RESOURCES fOR PARENTINg
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Spotlight on David Partin, Kershaw County Volunteer David A. Partin, a guardian ad litem volunteer for over five years, was selected in April as the 2012 Direct Service Volunteer award winner by the S.C. Association for Volunteer Administration (SCAVA). During his time as a volunteer, David has served as an advocate for 30 children on 18 cases. As a fulltime employee and married father with a son, he still makes time to ensure all needs of the children he works with are being met. Elizabeth May, Kershaw County GAL Program Coordinator, can attest to this.
David Partin is joined by Barbara Darley, State Director of the Cass Elias McCarter Guardian ad Litem Program and Allex Washington, Regional Coordinator at Kershaw County GALs 25th Anniversary event .
“From advocating at court to working with schools, agencies and organizations to facilitate programming that will benefit his guardian children, David passionately pursues his volunteer work,” May said. “He welcomes continuing education opportunities through in- services, workshops and conferences as he strives to do more and be aware of what is available for the children he serves.” David’s dedication to giving his own time to others comes from his father, Pat Partin. “I have a great father,” David said. “My dad always drove home the point that I had more than others, and that meant I should try to give back.” Following his father’s guidance, David started volunteering at 14 and has continued throughout his life. He hopes to inspire his son to give back in the same way that his father inspired him. Due to David being out of the country at the time of the awards ceremony, his father accepted his award presented by Gov. Nikki Haley.
August 2012
David’s father, Pat Partin, accepted the Direct Service Volunteer Award on his behalf. It was presented by Gov. Nikki Haley. Kershaw County GAL Coordinator, Elizabeth May, joined Partin. SCGAL.ORG
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Stand- Up Gentlemen Statewide, there is a call for more strong and dedicated male guardians ad litem. State Director Barbara Darley previously stated that this is not a just a women’s program. “A Guardian ad Litem is a powerful role, she said. “Boys and young men in foster care need to see men taking charge of the welfare of their community.” The men below are doing just that and share their views of standing up for children that need them most. “You need to give of yourself. I’m helping children and advocating for those who don’t have a voice. I’m getting to help people and that is something we should do- give back. Being an African American man, unfortunately, you don’t see many doing the things they should be doing in helping the community.” http://scgal.org/state/files/12%20Henry%20Campbell.pdf Henry Campbell
“It is, after all not about the GAL but all about the children. When the child has permanency whether it be back with his/her parents or with an adoptive family; that is the goal you are working towards. It’s then that a child can start to feel special about his or her self again. Perhaps your only feedback is a little smile (if that) but it’s when you know the child’s life will be better as a result of your efforts. http://scgal.org/state/files/12%20Don%20Miller.pdf Don Miller
“It’s not children’s fault they’re in the position they are in. Seeing the joy they have when you invest in them and advocate for their best interests provides a rewarding experience for volunteers. Seeing that smile makes all the difference.”
http://scgal.org/state/files/12%20Billy%20White.pdf Billy White
“I’ve long wanted to be a Guardian ad Litem after having many discussions with an individual who has been one for over ten years. I feel it is my duty and responsibility to give the children hope for the future and play a role in helping them become productive citizens.”
http://scgal.org/state/files/12%20James%20Montgomery.pdf James Montgomery
August 2012
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2012: The Year of the Guardian In statewide testimonials from our volunteers, one common statement is “being a GAL is very rewarding,” and we agree. Why not share the rewarding benefits of being a volunteer with your community and local GAL office? The items listed below are suggestions on how you might help the Cass Elias McCarter Guardian ad Litem Program recruit more stellar GALs such as yourselves:
Ways that you may be able to support your local GAL program: Submission of articles and distribution of the program’s newsletter Recruiting volunteers through public speaking, staffing tables at events, talking to friends Inviting GAL staff to present a program to your community or civic group Getting GAL information out in your workplace via e-newsletter, posters, brochures in pay envelopes, etc. Contacting businesses for in-kind donations: food, prizes in connection with a special event or for volunteer recognition, office supplies, etc. Making your workplace or other facility available to the GAL program for training, volunteer recognition, special events, etc.
We’re looking for regional superstars… GAL Idols, if you will. Don’t worry; there won’t be any snarky criticism, only highlights and praise for your contributions to the children and communities you serve. It could be you or it could be a friend you admire who loves their volunteer work and the children they serve even more. Now is not the time to be shy! You never know if your story may influence someone else to fearlessly stand up for children. Send in your nominations via email with the subject line “Regional Superstar” to wrodgers@oepp.sc.gov explaining why you feel your nominee needs a little recognition. Won an award? Recognized as an awesome public servant? Unsung hero? We’ll take them all! Chosen nominees will be featured in a future issue of Your Voice.
Your Voice Submissions We want to hear your news, announcements and topics of interests. Sending it in is easy. You can send your article as a Microsoft Word attachment or simply just send in the facts- the who, what, when, where, why- in the body of your email. If sending photos, please do not embed them in your Word document. Send the photo as a separate file and be sure to name the people photographed. Unfortunately, photos from your phone camera are not acceptable. In most cases, the image quality is not good enough for publication. Send all information and submit your questions to wrodgers@oepp.sc.gov or call (864)467-2664. We cannot guarantee that your information will be published, but we will try! Content may also be edited by Your Voice. August 2012
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