2002 Recipients: Mel Peterson and Kathy Tucker
Mel Peterson
Mel Peterson is a CASA for three children with educational and emotional problems who require extensive services and support to maintain any stability. He coordinates a team of CASAs, caseworkers, case managers, counselors, and others.
Mel refuses to settle for less and is always solution-oriented. When the behavior of two children began deteriorating at school, Mel was in constant contact with school personnel, working to rectify the situation. As it became clear that the school was unable to meet the needs of the children, Mel researched and located an appropriate setting, then insured that the children were placed there with the additional education assistance.
The other child for whom Mel is a CASA has severe behavioral problems that required residential treatment. Mel was in close contact with the treatment team at the facility to insure that the child's needs were being met appropriately. When it became clear that the child's needs were not being met at that facility, Mel helped find the right placement and insured that the necessary services and supports were in place for this child.
Mel is professional, committed, and compassionate. He is a stellar example of everything a CASA should be and ProKids is proud to present him with the Darlene Kamine Advocate of the Year Award.
Kathy Tucker
Kathy Tucker became a ProKids CASA in the spring of 1995. While many CASAs see short, happy endings on their cases as children achieve permanency, other CASAs feel the strain of cases that last much longer. Kathy's second case has taken her on a journey that began in 1995 and continues today. Her four CASA children are in separate foster homes. Due to the severe neglect they have suffered, and their parents' continued inability to care for them, they have experienced numerous problems in all aspects of their lives.
During the past six years, Kathy has visited each child monthly, has insured regular sibling visits, along with visits to their grandmother, who is very special to them. The work has been frustrating, as caseworkers came and went, and the hours long. Kathy may appear to be a sweetheart and she is -- a sweetheart with a core of steel. There have been times when others didn't understand the children's unique needs or the importance of their visits with each other. Kathy made sure everyone saw the light.
At times it seemed these children would never have a permanent home. However, Kathy persevered and the future is looking brighter for these children. Three are in adoptive homes and Kathy continues to seek a fourth.
We are honoring Kathy, because after six years, she has the longest tenure of anyone involved in this case, and she continues to thoughtfully and thoroughly advocate for the individual needs of these children. Kathy has taught these children, and all of us, what it means to make and honor a commitment. She has proven to these children they are worthy of her genuine caring and interest in their lives. Kathy is a powerful voice for children, and ProKids is proud to present her with the Darlene Kamine Advocate of the Year Award.