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Child advocates needed

Published Thursday, August 05, 2010 1:16 PM

By Dina Dukes
Summerville Journal Scene ®

Volunteer Guardian ad Litem Program Dorchester County

Dale wants a home with a family who is glad that he’s there. All he has known in his 8 years is that he is in the way. His Dad left when he was 3 and he barely remembers him. His Mom brings home new “Dads” for him every few months. There have been so many that he’s stopped counting. They are all different, except for the fact that none of them want Dale around. Dale wonders what he ever did to deserve the way he is treated. His Mom rarely ever notices that he is there except when she doesn’t have a man living with them. Somehow it’s his fault when they don’t stay. Regular beatings that leave bruises and cuts take place at the hand of his Mom. She screams at him that all her troubles started when he was born. Dale tries to be good. He fixes the meals, cleans the house and tries to wash his own clothes. He often wonders what it will take for his Mom to love him and stop hurting him.

Dale comes to the attention of the Family Court System and is moved to a foster home. He is glad that he has a bed of his own and his foster parents fix meals for him. They take care of him and don’t scream at him at all. He’s scared though because he doesn’t know who is going to tell his side of the story. Who’s going to listen to a kid and believe them over an adult? (His Mom doesn’t always remember things exactly how they happened you know.) Dale loves his Mom and wants to go home someday, but he wants her to quit hurting him before he does.

Dale needs a Volunteer Guardian ad Litem. He needs someone who is specifically trained to advocate for a child whose family is involved with the Family Court System and the Department of Social Services. Through our highly capable staff, a Volunteer will learn the skills necessary to speak for children who have been abused and neglected. Please contact Dina Dukes in Dorchester County. The number is 875-9842. There will be an open question and answer session on Tuesday, August 17, 2010. This session will be at the Library, 76 Old Trolley Road. The meeting will begin at 6 p.m. Our next free training starts August 23. Please call today. Dale and other children like him depend on people like you to ensure their voice is heard and their story is told. The time to get involved is now. The children are waiting.

For more information contact: Dina Dukes at 875-9842.

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104 East Doty Avenue | Summerville, SC 29483 | 843-873-9424 office | 843-873-9432 fax