2005 Recipient: Paul Swanson
Paul Swanson
When Paul Swanson met Darren and Sam, the boys thought there was only one way to live. At the ages of 14 and 7, they didn’t know what it meant to be cared for. Darren and Sam were taken from a home that was a Health Department nightmare for years, but was an everyday reality for them. Cat and dog feces littered the house, garbage and soiled clothing blocked doorways, the children were lice infested and wore dirty clothes.
Darren and Sam’s parents refused to acknowledge there was a problem and repeatedly rejected help from the county. Darren was diagnosed with anxiety disorder and the psychologist said Darren’s behavioral problems were a result of abuse, neglect and not being socialized. He and Sam desperately needed structure, security, and guidance.
Paul was assigned as Darren and Sam’s CASA-Court Appointed Special Advocate. The boys had been placed in separate foster homes and Paul immediately began to work to placed them in the same home. Paul advocated in court and was granted a court order that the boys be reunited.
Paul’s dedication was obvious through the relationship he developed with the boys and his persistence in creating and maintaining a supportive team for them. Paul established crucial connections with the caseworkers, therapists, foster parents, family members and teachers. Paul will also tell you, “Get to know the school secretary!”
Paul’s interaction with everyone, especially the brothers, was straight forward and thoughtful. He listens carefully, is solution–oriented , and has high expectations. Paul was especially direct with the parents, even confronting them about what they needed to do to get their children back.
Now on his third case, Paul demonstrates his outstanding advocacy and leadership on behalf of 14 year old, Donny. In her nomination of Paul, Magistrate Brenda Anthony of Hamilton County Juvenile Court said, “Paul has gone above and beyond for Donny” and “Paul has not only provided good, accurate information to the court, he has supported Donny in many ways.” From “working diligently with Donny’s treatment team” to “attending Donny’s basketball games.” Magistrate Anthony concludes, “I could not imagine a better role model.”
Paul’s CASA Manager Charlotte Caples said, “ Paul’s cases have taken many rough turns, but Paul is not afraid to question and challenge the status quo or change directions when needed.”
In addition to Paul’s CASA role, he volunteers for ProKids in the following ways:
At the end of the day, it is all about helping the children in any way Paul can.
Remember the brothers I told you about at the beginning? Darren and Sam wanted to go home. Although things weren’t perfect, the boys’ parents did what they needed to do to reunite with their children. Because of Paul’s intervention, support, and example, the boys learned there was a different way to live.
Darren and Sam left the system with an appreciation for education, a desire to be successful adults, and self-confidence they never had before. Paul has maintained contact with the boys and Darren made sure to invite Paul to his graduation.