Thursday, September 23, 1999
Courts need advocates for abused youngsters
BY RACHEL MELCER
The Cincinnati Enquirer
Circut Judge James Humphrey, right, talks with Dr. Kieth Rhodes and his wife, Jill, who are guardians ad litem for children in Dearborn County.
(Glenn Hartong photo)
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LAWRENCEBURG, Ind. — Putting in long hours talking to abused or neglected kids and the professionals who work on their cases, Dr. Keith and Jill Rhodes deal with many tough questions.
As Dearborn County guardians ad litem — also known as court-appointed special advocates — the Rhodeses must figure out what solution is best for the child and how to present that during a seemingly endless string of court hearings.
The retired Lawrenceburg couple is among a handful of trained volunteers who take on the task, though many more are needed. County officials are doing their best to bring in recruits and head off a critical shortage.
“They do it for nothing. And they do it because they are interested and they care about the children,” said Circuit Judge Jim Humphrey, who handles juvenile cases in Dearborn and Ohio counties. “But these are not easy situations.”
“All I can think about is there's a child that is standing alone in the midst of all his trouble and he just needs someone in his corner,” said Mrs. Rhodes. “How could you possibly say no?”
Guardians ad litem review sheaves of documents and interview the child, parents, social workers, school officials, physicians, attorneys and others who can shed light on the case.
Part of a national program, the advocates come from all different backgrounds and have varied levels of education. They receive about 30 hours of training and need only a good attitude, a thick skin and commitment to succeed.
Dearborn County has about a dozen trained volunteers, but only about five of them are active.
State law requires guardians ad litem to be assigned in cases of abuse and neglect, as well as in some delinquency hearings. They are frequently requested for custody and adoption cases — but those requests are often turned down in Dearborn County because of the lack of volun teers.
“It comes down to picking and choosing the worst of the worst cases,” said Laurie Patton, director of the county Juvenile Center.
She has advertised for volunteers on local phone books and cable access television. The Rhodeses addressed their church congregation in hopes of raising a few hands, but to no avail.
The couple acknowledges that the job can be tough. They struggle over judgments, knowing that their advice may not be followed. They have volunteered for about 18 months and have taken on seven cases — and only one has been resolved so far.
Judge Humphrey said the input of guardians ad litem can be invaluable. They see the children and parents outside the courtroom setting, when they may be more relaxed and open. And the volunteers may have more time to devote to an investigation than do social workers and attorneys.
“Because the program has been so successful, there is always more demand,” Judge Humphrey said. “I would hope that (the volunteers) feel it is worth it.”
“If you can take some of these horrible situations and see some improvement over time ... I think that leads to some incredible personal satisfaction.”
For more information about the Dearborn County guardian ad litem program, or to volunteer, call (812) 537-8740.
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