Thank you for reading this issue of The Advocate. As we approach 2024, we’re beginning the transition to having the newsletter month match the calendar month. While we will still “look back” at new employees, volunteers, and events that happened in the previous month, we will also be able to provide a better “look ahead” about upcoming events and observances that will be more relevant to readers. Without further adieu, I’m glad to share all that we accomplished in this September/October edition.

Recognizing Suicide Prevention Month was a top priority, especially considering that suicide is a leading cause of death among children and adolescents in our state and nation (CDC, 2020; SC Committee on Children, 2023 [PDF]), we were happy to partner with SC DMH to launch a new screening tool for parents!

The SC Heart Gallery also held the grand opening of its long-term exhibit at Columbiana Centre, inviting the public to consider opening their hearts and homes to give a brighter future to children in foster care whose parents’ rights have been terminated.

In addition to new five new staff members, we’ve also enrolled 16 new GAL volunteers! You’ll also meet two volunteers who have excelled in their advocacy for children in our state.

All that and more awaits you below, and I thank you so much for your interest in learning all that we are doing. If you have news to share about the work that is being done in our state, please share it with us, along with your questions, concerns, and recommendations.

Cass Elias McCarter Guardian ad Litem

Program Coordinator I - Lancaster

Christina Dorman

Christina "Nina" Dorman started on September 5, but began her GAL journey as a volunteer in July 2021. She holds a diploma from Stratford Career Institute for the completion of a private investigator course and Midlands Technical College where she received her certified nursing assistant license. 

Born in Columbia, she has lived in Lugoff since 2013. Nina is married and has two children, a 13-year-old daughter and a 16-year-old stepson. Her favorite hobby is spending time with her family.

She says her own personal experiences helped her realize that "there are children out there who need a voice.” Her passion is making sure she can be that voice and speak up for children who need help. She wants to make sure they are safe, happy, and healthy. 

Cass Elias McCarter Guardian ad Litem

Program Coordinator I - Florence

Brandi Johnson

Brandi Johnson started on September 18. She is a New Jersey native with a passion for protecting, advocating, and educating children. In 2017, she earned a bachelor’s in liberal studies with a concentration in sociology and public relations from Rowan University.

As a previous case manager, Brandi served at-risk children and families, connecting them to community-based resources that provides coping skills to manage life difficulties and promoting the safety, permanency, and well-being of vulnerable children.

Brandi is married and has three children. She enjoys singing the night away and says that music has always been a big part of her life.

It is Brandi’s life’s mission to make a positive impact on children so that their future is not limited by their life circumstances. As a GAL, she hopes she will be able to capture the voice of children and ensure it is heard.

Suicide Prevention Month

In recognition of September’s designation as Suicide Prevention Month, the DCA partnered with DMH to launch a new, online, interactive mental health screener for kids under the age of 18. Called Hope Connects SC Kids, this safe and convenient free service allows parents and guardians to anonymously take a self-check questionnaire on behalf of their child and connect with a caring professional, who will provide guidance, support, and resources to help them access mental and behavioral health services for youth. The program was also highlighted on WIS’ Soda City Live.

WATCH THE VIDEO:

Suicide Prevention Campaign

DCA staff also answered DMH’s call to join its Suicide Prevention Campaign, with staff members from across the state submitting photos holding “Let Your Light Shine” signs. Those photos were combined with dozens of others to create a special compilation video posted on social media. Thanks to all who participated.

GAL’s Sophie Kelly and Ashley Foy

DCA’s Rob Schaller, GAL’s Lela Allen and Erna Jacobs

COC’s Spencer Simmons, Carlos O’Neal, Evelyn Dennis, Lenora Scurry, and Tanya Catoe

GAL’s Kayley Willoughby, Kathryn Clement, Scott Wagner, Roanna Miller, Christopher ‘Topher’ Emmolo, Charlene Gadsden, and Lamia Elhag.

Out of the Darkness Community Walks

While September is Suicide Prevention Month, there are still upcoming Out of the Darkness community walks sponsored by the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention that you can participate in:

October 21 - Myrtle Beach

October 22 - Columbia

October 29 - Charleston

November 5 - Hilton Head

Heart Gallery Grand Opening

With the cut of a ribbon, the Heart Gallery’s exhibit at Columbiana Centre was officially opened on September 18.

The semi-permanent exhibit will be open until at least August 2024 and is located near the food court, one of the busiest parts of the shopping center.

Speakers included SC Senator Katrina Shealy and Claude Cumbee, who found his forever family through the Heart Gallery and has come back as a volunteer photographer to help other children find theirs.

DSS’s adoption team and FCRD staff were also present to help celebrate the grand opening.

Watch ABC Columbia’s Story

Top Photo: (l to r) Lindsey Taylor, Sen. Katrina Shealy, Claude Cumbee, Taryn Trefethen-Boileau (Columbiana Centre), Christina Grant, Amy Traynham (Columbiana Centre), Amanda Whittle. Above right: Amanda Whittle and Dawn Barton (center) with DSS staff. Below (l to r): Whittle speaking during the ceremony; Grant presenting Cumbee with a framed portrait of his original Heart Gallery photo; Shealy and Grant.

Shannon A.

Photo credit: Mi Bella Photography, 2023

Shannon A. (born in 2008) is interested in track and soccer. Her favorite subject in school is algebra because she loves math. Once she graduates high school, she would like to become a nurse because she wants to help people.

Her favorite food is macaroni and cheese. She would describe herself as quiet, caring, and nice. Her favorite colors are red and black, and she wants to travel and see Asia.

Shannon's ideal forever home has a caring and loving family.

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

US Ombudsman

Association’s

Annual Conference

(Left to right) State Child Advocate Amanda Whittle, along with members of the DCA’s Critical Investigations team Wanda Banker, Melissa Pettinato-Irby, and Kayla Capps (not pictured) attended the 42nd Annual U.S. Ombudsman Association Annual Conference in Atlanta.

Whittle said it was a great opportunity to learn and share practical tools and relevant training with professionals across the country on a broad range of topics including onboarding new staff, critical incident reviews, crisis de-escalation, and strategic planning.

Did You See Our Billboards?

The DCA works with other state agencies and organizations to prevent child fatalities. This includes creating public awareness campaigns that help citizens better protect their children. During September, we used billboards in two different locations to highlight 988 suicide prevention, seatbelt use, car safety, and safe sleep.

Welcome to our Newest Volunteer GALs

We’re delighted to announce 16 new GALs who were sworn in this month!

Jazmine Goodman

Dorchester County

GAL Volunteer Spotlights

Marvin Hemingway

Marvin Hemingway has been a Marion County GAL volunteer since 2019. In addition, he also serves as the founder and CEO of the Pee Dee Youth Day Initiative, the president of the Marion County NAACP, and other organizations in his community.

Marvin says, “It is so fulfilling to be a voice for children in these situations and to see the smiles on their faces when they know that I care. It’s also a good feeling to know that children are in a safe and caring home.”

He would like to challenge any able citizens to volunteer to support children who are in need by signing up at gal.sc.gov or contacting a regional recruiter.

Amy Page

Amy Page is a Charleston County GAL who also volunteered in Florida. According to Roanna Miller, Amy hit the ground running with her very first case, completing a full investigation by the first call of the Merits Hearing. 

"Amy is not afraid to ask questions nor state if she needs clarification to understand things through DSS protocols. She is thorough yet witty! Amy is lighthearted and able to see everyone through equal eyes with a warm heart of understanding! She is on it with court reports and monthly monitoring reports (MMRs)! She is SUCH a breath of fresh air and makes my job easy and engaging! It’s a privilege to be her coordinator! "

Fall Festival Recruiting

Jennifer Fenters, Chesterfield County Director, Sarah Schultz, Pee Dee Recruiter/Trainer, and Jennifer Burch, Pee Dee Regional Director attended the Mt. Croghan Fall Festival in Chesterfield County on September 30.

Sarah also attended Chesterfield County’s Ruby Jubilee on September 16.

Thanks to all of our GAL staff who attend activities across the state to recruit new volunteers for our children!

Make plans to attend this special event, open to all foster,

adoptive,

and kinship families!