Thank you for reading the April 2023 edition of the Department of Children's Advocacy's newsletter.

April is always a big month for the child wellbeing system, and this year was no exception as the DCA came together with staff and other agencies for Child Abuse Prevention Month. I am so proud of all the creative ways our staff and volunteers raise awareness about this terrible epidemic in our state--not only during this month, but also for their efforts year-round.

Of course, we also celebrated Volunteer Week in April, and gave thanks to the numerous volunteers who help us fulfill our mission every day. And not only do we get to introduce you to our newest Guardian ad Litem volunteers and Foster Care Review Board members, but we also get to announce the 2022 FCRB member of the year. You'll want to read how this winner has made a lasting difference in the lives of college-bound children.

We hope you enjoy reading this edition. Thank you for all you do to improve outcomes for children in South Carolina.

Have an item you'd like to share? Please send us your questions, concerns, and recommendations for future newsletters. We'd love to hear from you.

Raising Awareness

State Child Advocate and DCA Director Amanda Whittle was very active this month, participating in:

FCRB Members Wear Their Dress Blues

A big thank you to our FCR Board members who wore blue on Fridays in April in support of and to raise awareness about Child Abuse Prevention Month--especially those who shared their photos with us!

Eating with a Purpose

Foster Care Review teamed up with the Crime Victim Services Division of the Attorney General's Office to highlight both Child Abuse Prevention Month and Victim's Rights Week using the power of food.

The divisions arranged for two food trucks to come to the State House, providing both state employees and the public a chance to enjoy lunch while also learning about these important observances.

ABOVE: FCRD staff pose for a photo on the State House steps, Lindsey Taylor with Ben Rogers of Metro Smokehouse and Doretta Crosson-Irby with Karen Erinfolami of Karen's Kitchen & Catering.

Pulling Out All the Stops

Guardian ad Litem offices across the state were wearing blue and raising awareness for Child Abuse Prevention Month each in their own way. Marlboro, Sumter, and Williamsburg county offices sent in photos of their pinwheel gardens; the Darlington County office posed for a picture with Darlington mayor who proclaimed Child Abuse Prevention Month in the town; and the Chesterfield and Florence county offices submitted photos from their candlelight vigils.

A Poem for Denim Day

The very talented Shanna Cronley, a program coordinator with the Guardian ad Litem's Lancaster County office, wrote the poem below in honor of Denim Day, held the last Friday in April to bring awareness to Sexual Assault Awareness Month, which is also in April. Denim Day aims to stop victim-blaming and help others learn about the sexual violence.

Cronley (fourth from right above), is pictured alongside GAL staff members Christine South and Lindsey Loparo (fifth and sixth respectively). They are surrounded by members of Palmetto Citizens Against Sexual Assault CAC.

Recognizing (and Thanking) Our Many Volunteers

Governor McMaster declared April 16-22 as "Volunteer Week" in South Carolina, in recognition of all of those who give generously of their time, energy, and talents to improve the lives of their fellow citizens.

This recognition is particularly meaningful to DCA, which depends on a small army of volunteers who do so much to help the children of our state achieve their full potential:

• Almost 1200 Guardian ad Litem Volunteers
• 144 Foster Care Review Board Members
• 50+ Volunteer Photographers with the SC Heart Gallery

Spring Fling!

Continuum of Care Region B attended the “DSS Spring Fling” in Greenville on April 25, where (left to right) Stephanie Placek, Joy Hansen, and Carlos O'Neal shared COC's services and resources with DSS workers.

In addition to provided brochures and referral applications to participants, they also had the opportunity to learn about the many resources and services available through other agencies.

With about 50 agencies in attendance, it was a great opportunity to model Wraparound principles of collaboration and being both team-based and community-based.

with his DSS contacts, and taking the time to attend SC Heart Gallery photoshoots--always bringing treats for the children in attendance.

In 2022, Jim purchased bookbags and school supplies from local Walmart stores throughout Aiken County for a local group home. One of the store managers was so touched by what he was doing, the store donated additional bookbags and supplies to ensure every student had one, as well as enough school supplies for the entire school year.

While subbing on another board, Jim helped a high school senior who wanted to attend Clemson University in the fall of 2022.

He listened to the GAL’s concerns regarding the teen’s lack of family support and fear of being at a big school without resources. He then reached out to university leadership to advocate not only for this teen, but all children in foster care who may desire to attend the university in the future.

The university informed Jim that they would start pairing every foster child who enrolls in the school with an alum who can serve as a mentor, providing support and encouragement.

Jim hopes this type of educational support can be made available at all institutions of higher learning across the state.

Special Recognition

The FCR Awards Committee would also like announce that John Seignious III, a member of FCRB 9A (Charleston) was given the Special Recognition Award for his outstanding service, dedication, and willingness to sub on 42 review meetings in addition to attending his own local board meetings.

Welcome to Our New Board Members!

Please help us welcome our newest Foster Care Review Board members, who joined us in March.

Photo

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Cheryl Schmeling

3B Board Member

Meet Damien T.

Photo credit: Kris Copeland, 2022

Damien T. is smart and helpful and has a wide range of interests. He enjoys playing football but also learning about animals and how they interact with each other. His favorite food is shrimp and he’s a big Godzilla fan.

He wants to be a zoologist when he grows up so it makes sense that he enjoys talking about cow ants and would like a home with not only a mom and dad, but also with pets. He specifically mentioned a pet snake!

To inquire about adopting Damien, or any of the other Heart Gallery children, visit scheartgallery.sc.gov.

Welcome to Our New GAL Volunteers

How It Started...

How It's Going.

In the summer of 1982, Director Whittle's family visited Washington, DC. At 11 years old, she was already dreaming of becoming a lawyer, and so a photo with her brother on the steps of the United States Supreme Court was essential.

Flash forward to April 14, 2023, when Whittle recaptured the moment shortly after being sworn-in and admitted to practice before the highest court in the land. Congratulations, Director Whittle!

We are on the lookout for top talent to fill key positions that will truly make a difference in the lives of children in our state. Check out all available positions with the DCA, and if you know someone who would be a good fit, please encourage them to apply today!

• Program Coordinator I - Guardian ad Litem Program (Aiken County)
  
• Program Coordinator I - Guardian ad Litem Program (Greenville County)
• Program Coordinator I - Guardian ad Litem Program (Horry County)
• Program Coordinator I - Guardian ad Litem Program (Lancaster County)
• Program Coordinator I - Foster Care Review (Richland County)