Welcome to another edition of The Advocate, and thank you for taking the time to read all about the wonderful things happening here at the SC Department of Children’s Advocacy.

We start this month with great news about a $10,000 gift that was made to the GAL program’s York County office, which will help us recruit more volunteers.

We also wrap up our highlights from Child Abuse Prevention Month in April. We truly are so blessed to have staff that go above and beyond to raise awareness in their communities about the steps we can all take to reduce incidences of abuse and neglect.

Of course, just because April is over doesn’t mean we have stopped. Our staff are year-round advocates, working hard every day to help create better futures for children. There are plenty of examples throughout this newsletter, as we recognize individuals for their incredible contributions.

Part of that advocacy is attending community events to make sure citizens know about the services we provide and encourage them to get involved and make a difference that will help provide a brighter tomorrow for all of South Carolina.

Thank you for your continued support and for all you do to help us fulfill our mission of improving outcomes for children served by state agencies in the Palmetto State. As always, feel free to share with us your thoughts and comments.

Grab Your Dancing Shoes & Kick Up Your Heels --

We’re Celebrating a $10K Donation!

GAL Division Director LaDara Depugh said she was "totally shocked" by the news that the York County GAL office had been selected to receive a $10,000 donation from the Scentsy Family Foundation.

"We were ecstatic," to receive this donation, she says, which was unsolicited. She found out about the gift via an email announcement, which stated in part:

"As part of our charitable cause program at Scentsy, we sold a product for the past six months and we committed to donating a portion of sales to foster and/or adoption charities within the United States. We also invited our consultants and customers to nominate charities they would like to see the funds support.

I am happy to share that the CASA program in Rock Hill was nominated and was selected by our foundation as a nonprofit that we would like to make that donation to!"

Depugh says the funds will be used to promote the GAL program through various marketing initiatives aimed at attracting and recruiting additional volunteers. "We currently have 50 volunteers, but need 50 more."

SFF is the charitable arm of Scentsy, a fragrance company based in Meridian, Idaho.

Child Abuse Prevention Month

It was an incredibly busy April for GAL county offices around the state, as staff and volunteers observed Child Abuse Prevention Month in a variety of ways. Some were covered in our April newsletter, but remembrances lasted all month long:

Pinwheel gardens

Sumter (left), Marlboro (top right), and Georgetown (bottom right) county offices each planted pinwheel gardens to help raise awareness for child abuse prevention. Blue pinwheels serve as the uplifting reminder of the happy childhood and bright futures that all children deserve.

Candlelight vigils & proclamation Ceremonies

(clockwise, from top left) Candlelight vigils and remembrance ceremonies were held in Clarendon, Chesterfield, and Florence counties, while the mayors of Dillon and Darlington each joined Governor Henry McMaster in signing proclamations declaring April as Child Abuse Prevention Month.

walks and Community awareness events

(left) GAL staff from offices in Charleston, Dorchester, and Colleton counties joined DSS staff for a Child Abuse Prevention walk. Leading the way was local superhero Captain GAL, who by day is disguised as mild mannered advocate Scott Wagner (center). Hampton County GAL staff came together with Hampton County DSS and other community partners to spread awareness at the annual Child Abuse Prevention Month Information Fair. The Clarendon county office (below) also participated in a Child Abuse Prevention Walk during the Striped Bass Festival.

Welcome to our Newest Volunteer GALs

The Charleston County GAL office ended Child Abuse Prevention Month on a high note, swearing in seven new volunteer GALs on April 30.

May Is National Foster Care Month

Wearing their blue in recognition of Child Abuse Prevention Month (April) and Foster Care Month (May) are Oconee’s Foster Care Review Board members (left to right): Greg Bearden, Linda Holt, Cortni Nations, and Sandra Pruitt.

Greg Bearden, a board member for FCRB 10A (Oconee) recently took pen to paper and submitted an article for publication in his local paper to highlight May as National Foster Care Month.

Sharing the FCRB’s mission, Bearden outlined the important role that each FCRB plays in helping children find permanency and get out of the foster care system. He also encouraged readers to get involved by visiting the DSS and DCA websites to learn more about how to protect children or how to become a foster or adoptive parent.

There are currently 70 vacancies on Foster Care Review Boards across the state, and we thank Mr. Bearden for taking this proactive approach to raising awareness about the FCRB!

To review the openings and learn how to apply, please visit fcrd.sc.gov.

Strengthening Relationships

Across the Foster Care System

FCRD staff and FCRB members attended the swearing-in ceremony for the new Charleston volunteer GALs in a show of support and solidarity.

(left to right) Corlette Minor (FCRD program supervisor), Barbara Acobe (FCRB 9D Chair), John Seignous (FCRB 9A and state board), and FCRD program coordinators Ashley Downes and Nina Spinelli.

On April 26, members of Foster Care Review Boards 2A, Cheryl Long (left), and 2B, Barbara Morgan (right), along with FCRD attorney Shayla Hayes (2nd from right) met with Judge Vicki Johnson Snelgrove to share updates and trends pulled from the FCRB annual report. Not pictured are FCRD members Markailah Jones who coordinated the meeting and Nina Spinelli who took the photo. Boards 2A and 2B represent Aiken, Barnwell, and Bamberg counties.

Foster Care Review Board 5B (Richland County) partnered with the Richland County Sheriff’s Department to collect more than 100 children, teen, and young adult books for Richland County DSS. These books will be used in the waiting areas, visitation suites, and overnight kits. In addition, the board purchased undergarments for children coming into care with immediate need.

Pictured are RCSD Deputy Monica Parker (left) and FCRB Program Coordinator Nina Spinelli. 2nd photo: Katheleen Beard, coordinator for the DSS Richland County Foster Care Team, assisted in distribution.

Shared Nina and Monica, “Books in waiting rooms at social services contribute to creating a more supportive and conducive environment for individuals seeking assistance, fostering both personal development and a sense of well-being.”

FCRD Staff Recognition

Shayla Hayes

FCRD advocate of the month - February 2024

Shayla has dramatically increased our courtroom presence across the state in the last 18 months and, in addition to the individual case advocacy that she does from a legal perspective, she has also been setting up meetings with chief administrative judges to introduce herself and board members to raise our visibility and strengthen the impact on improving outcomes for children.

Skylar Ackerson

FCRD advocate of the month - March 2024

Skylar has been an enthusiastic learner who has grown into a strong advocate for children in foster care, her board members, and DSS staff when necessary. She doesn’t hesitate to ask questions if she doesn’t know the answer and has been very proactive when working with her counties to problem solve and move cases forward.

KRISTIN McGILL

FCRD advocate of the month - April 2024

Kristin recently had a case that involved an undocumented child. The county had not informed the state office of the child's undocumented status and need for an immigration attorney. Kristin followed up after the review and sent an advocacy letter informing the case manager of the agency's policies and procedures for undocumented children. The state office has now been notified, and an attorney has been assigned to the child's immigration case. This case is a perfect example of how important our advocacy is and the kind of impact that it can have on the lives of the children we review.

Jamika Brealon

FCRD Employee of the Quarter

(1st Quarter - 2024)

Heather Valentine

FCRD Employee of the Quarter

(1st Quarter - 2024)

Everyone has been working so hard to get us caught up on recommendations and these two have been really going above and beyond to get a tremendous amount of work done in a short period of time.

Jamika and Heather have been so dedicated to getting several months of recommendations out while also completing their normal job duties AND helping out with the Heart Gallery. What they have been able to accomplish is a testament to their work ethic and commitment to teamwork.

corlette Minor

FCRD team values star

Corlette has done a wonderful job since she became a supervisor. She is a great leader and support for her team. She treats everyone with equity by making sure that they have what they need in order to be successful and not feel overwhelmed during reviews or when processing. She is easy to talk to and encourages her team to be transparent with her about the challenges they are facing so that she can share her perspective or past experiences with them. She has a lot of knowledge and is always willing to assist in any way she can. Corlette embodies the values of FCRD.

Natalie graham

FCRD team values star

Natalie has been observed daily displaying her core values while interacting with staff and among her board members while conducting reviews. She communicates well with her supervisor regarding any barriers she may encounter. She demonstrates respect, transparency, and takes accountability. Her fellow co-workers often speak very highly of Natalie and the professionalism she displays.

“She has helped support me in a time of need. When my recommendations were late due to being out sick and I was falling behind, she completed two of my recommendations for me to help me catch up. She is, and always has been, a team player.”

COC Community Outreach

COC was well-represented at the Department of Disabilities and Special Needs' inaugural AutismConnect daylong conference on April 23. COC Division Director Greg Wright (center) presented to a standing-room only audience about the services that COC provides to children with serious emotional or behavioral health diagnoses.

COC trainers Leslie Johnson (left) and Yvonne Lee (right) were also on hand to speak with attendees about how COC can help their families.

Continuum of Care Staff Spotlights

Ja’Nae Middleton

Ja'Nae Middleton received the following praise from Kimberly Callicut, a community partner with SPHS Building Bridges:

"I wanted to take a moment to express how fortunate and thankful I am to have worked with [Ja'Nae] this school year. From our very first interaction, she approached me with respect, kindness, and understanding, all while continuing to advocate for [a client] every step of the way! It has been truly a pleasure to work with such a kind soul. Her love for children shines through in everything that she does. She has managed to advocate for [him] all while experiencing push back from higher ups and she never backed down.

“Ja'Nae is an asset to anyone who has the opportunity to work with her. If I could request her to be the only advocate I work with, I would in a heartbeat. I hope that she is truly appreciated in her role as we have appreciated her in Building Bridges and all the resources, positivity, and love she brought to Building Bridges this year. She is a gold star!"

Yvonne Lee and Leslie Johnson

Yvonne Lee (top) received her own spotlight, along with Leslie Johnson, from National Wraparound Initiative trainer/coaches Emily Bradshaw and Kimberly Coviello, for their excellent presentation for the institute.

Said Emily, "Your coaches did an EXCEPTIONAL job presenting during our Wraparound Virtual Coaching Collaborative today. They were detailed and passionate in their presentation. They provided tangible new ideas for the group comprised of both seasoned and brand-new coaches. They made me look pretty darn good and I didn’t deserve any credit! These two coaches have taken 2024 by storm!!! Thanks for sharing them with us 😊.

"Leslie & Yvonne—thank you for today and all your hard work. You always focus on making every day a great day for young people and their families in South Carolina!"

Kim added, "I second everything Em already said! You both did fantastic job and gave everyone so many ideas for how they could integrate the CUBE into the work they are doing. Thank you both so much for all you do on behalf of Wraparound and for young people and families in SC."

We’re Hiring!

Positions include:

• 1 Clinical Supervisor
• 5 Case Workers
  

If you believe all families have strengths and deserve access to high quality services and supports, and if you are empathetic, creative, resourceful, flexible, and committed to doing what it takes to support children with behavioral disorders and their families, then we encourage you to apply today!

Apply online at careers.sc.gov.

Touching Hearts at Touch-a-Truck

(left to right) Amy Traynham (Columbiana Centre), Christina Grant (Heart Gallery coordinator), and Kaylynn Knight (FCRD administrative assistant).

The SC Heart Gallery had a booth set up at Columbiana Centre’s “Touch a Truck” event on April 20, which gave children a chance to explore the insides of work vehicles such as fire trucks, police cruisers, and construction vehicles. Christina Grant and Kaylynn Knight engaged families with fun games and also shared the Heart Gallery’s mission. Columbiana Centre is the location of the Heart Gallery’s semi-permanent exhibition.

Meet Aaliyah & Isaac

Photo credit: Claude Cumbee, 2024

Aaliyah (born in 2008) enjoys volleyball, soccer, getting her nails done, and painting. Her favorite class is math. She is interested in becoming an ultrasound tech, realtor, or businesswoman when she gets older. Her favorite place is the beach because she loves the water. Aaliyah describes herself as very mature, self-sufficient, loyal, and funny.

Isaac (born in 2010) enjoys the beach, video games, and playing the cornerback position in football. He takes pride in being on his school’s A/B honor roll and hopes to become a car mechanic when he gets older. Isaac describes himself as playful, loyal, funny, and a good listener.

Being adopted together is important because they have a close sibling bond. They desire parents who will accept them both while supporting them emotionally and motivating them as they grow up. They describe their ideal forever family as having two parents that are

mature, stable, understanding, active, and can offer structure while still allowing them a sense of freedom to make their own decisions with some things. They would like to be the only children in the household, have their own rooms, and would really enjoy pets--especially larger dogs. Aaliyah & Isaac love to play video and board games together and would like parents who also enjoy game nights.

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

Kinship caregivers can’t do it alone.

Being a kinship caregiver can be emotionally exhausting. So can raising a child with a disability or special health care needs. For those who are doing both, their well-being has probably been put on the back burner so that the children in their care have what they need.

If you are--or know someone who is--a kinship caregiver raising children with disabilities or special healthcare needs and reside in the Midlands of South Carolina, KinCarolina may be able to help.

KinCarolina is a six-month comprehensive support program that empowers caregivers and increases their capacity for the children in their care. The goal is to connect you with other kinship caregivers and resources (such as peer-to-peer support, peer support groups, educational trainings, and financial support) to empower you in supporting your family and yourself.

See if you’re eligible by visiting kincarolina.org, or email kincarolina@unc.edu for more information.

Superlative Award Recipients

Years of Service Recognition

30 Years of Service

• Marilyn Thomas, Continuum of Care
  

5 Years of Service

• Hope Able, Investigations Division
  
• Laurie Davidson, Investigations Division
  
• Sharhonda Dillard, Guardian ad Litem Program
  
• Consuelo Legare, Guardian ad Litem Program
  
• Kathryn Markowitz, Guardian ad Litem Program
  
• Allen Mayer, Guardian ad Litem Program
  
• Kierra McCrorey, Guardian ad Litem Program
  
• Tiauni McElveen, Guardian ad Litem Program
  
• Tina Morehouse, Guardian ad Litem Program
  
• Travis Shaffer, Guardian ad Litem Program
  
• Laura Shelton, Guardian ad Litem Program
  
• Latanya Williams, Guardian ad Litem Program
  

10 Years of Service

• Erin Marshall, Guardian ad Litem Program