Child Advocates Newsletter

Child Advocates also works to change the system of care and protection, so that we all might learn from the successes and the failures of our efforts. Child Advocates will often join with other advocates around the state and nation to ensure that the law adequately protects our children.

Child Advocates recently joined colleague advocacy organizations as

Amici Curiae - "friend of the court" - in a Pennsylvania Supreme Court case involving the question of whether a negative, pathological bond between a birth parent and child should preclude the termination of parental rights. The Appellant children are represented by our colleague organization KidsVoice in Pittsburgh. The Amici brief was written by Lucy Johnston-Walsh and her colleagues at the Child Advocacy Clinic of Penn State University Dickinson School of Law, assisted by lawyers from the Pittsburgh firm Cohen & Grigsby, P.C.

In a case where five young children were subjected to repeated beatings by their mother and her boyfriends, and were often witness to their mother's drug use and sexual activity, the Trial Court, as affirmed by a divided panel of the Superior Court, denied the request to terminate parental rights. The courts held that termination would not serve the children's needs and welfare because they have a bond with mother - although a negative bond.

"We felt it was important to lend our name to this Amici brief to right a wrong. This case would set a terrible precedent that could cause psychological harm to many children who have been exposed to such extreme abuse," said Executive Director Frank Cervone.

Other Amici are The Pennsylvania CASA Association, The CASA of Allegheny County, The National Association of Social Workers and the Dependency Division of the Allegheny County Office of Conflict Counsel. The case is docketed as In re: T.S.M., T.R.M., T.J.M., T.A.M., and N.D.M., minors, DOCKET NOs. 7 to 13, WAP 2013. If you would like a copy of the briefs, please contact Tracy Buchholz at tbuchholz@advokid.org.

Meet Laurie Ayler:
Child Advocates Social Worker

The staff at the Support Center for Child Advocates is known for their hard work and dedication to advocate for the safety and welfare of abused and neglected children. Each person brings their own experience and personality to the agency and applies all their skills to improve the lives of our child clients.

Meet Child Advocates Social Worker Laurie Ayler, the Clinical Coordinator of the Outcomes in Behavioral Health Project, a program funded by the Pew Charitable Trusts. On staff for five years, Laurie specializes in helping kids with significant behavioral health problems, including children housed in psychiatric hospitals. In addition to managing her own caseload, she consults with other staff on their cases when they spot behavioral health issues with their clients. Laurie advocates for behavioral health assessments for every child, and recommends appropriate care for those children who need help. This project is especially close to Laurie's heart since she graduated from Temple with a Bachelor's Degree in Psychology before she went on to earn her Master's Degree in Social Work from Widener University.

Laurie cares deeply for her clients, and remembers a special experience with a young girl: "I had a client who was turning 10 years old, but was unfortunately going to be in a psychiatric hospital over her birthday. I was the only one who came to visit her. I got her a cupcake and a Hello Kitty stuffed animal, small stuff, but at least it was something." The client was so excited about the gifts that she left Laurie a voicemail singing a thank-you to the tune of Call Me Maybe. To this day, Laurie has it saved on her phone and it helps remind her about the impact she has on our clients.

Laurie enjoys and encourages the camaraderie at Child Advocates and is often organizing activities for staff, including happy hours and Restaurant Week dinners, as a way to keep staff morale up and to off-set the intensity of the job.

During Laurie's off time she enjoys reading, playing the trumpet for the Temple Night Owls Community Band and riding her bike in the city. When asked about her favorite sports team she shakes her head. "My husband is from Buffalo, so I'm obligated to root for them in everything. We get some looks in South Philly for that!"

Upcoming Events!

Wednesday, October 30th - "How to Handle a Child Abuse Case" - Volunteer Training Workshop

Our Appreciation

Thank you for reading our monthly newsletter. Stay connected on regular basis by checking out our social media (just click any of the buttons below!) Like us, follow us, and feel free to direct any questions or feedback to Tracy Buchholz. Thanks again for helping us change the story!

-The Child Advocates Team