Protecting Our Most Valuable Resource:
Our Children
The Brown County Guardian ad Litem recruits, trains and supports volunteers to advocate for the best interests of children who are victims of abuse or neglect. Volunteers are appointed by the Court to be “the voice of the child” in juvenile court proceedings and to make recommendations for services that will ensure a safe and permanent home for every child involved in litigation who needs the support of a Guardian ad Litem.
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Our History
1980 - In the Beginning
In Indiana, volunteer projects began in 1980 through the work of the Indiana Law & Child Protection Project. By 1986, Indiana Advocates for Children, under the direction of Becky Pryor and Durelle Watson-Duvall, began an initiative to establish a GAL/CASA program in each county.
1989 - The State Provides Support
In 1989, the Indiana legislature created state matching funds for county programs and created a state office of GAL/CASA. In 1986, the first Brown County director was trained and elected to serve on the Board of Directors of Indiana Advocates for Children, Inc.
1990 - Brown County Joins the Effort
When the Honorable Sam Rosen, Brown County Circuit Court Judge was contacted, he requested that the Court Referee, Judith Stewart continue the exploration for Brown County. Ms. Stewart contacted community leaders and continued dialog with the Indiana GAL/CASA staff. In 1989, Ms. Pryor notified Judith Stewart, Referee, that the Boone County GAL volunteer co-ordinator, Donna Niednagel, was relocating to the county. By late 1989, Ms. Niednagel consented to develop the volunteer advocate program in Brown County. An office for the program was established and the first class of ten volunteer advocates was sworn in by February 1990.
Early 1990s - Funding Secured, Training Implemented
Funding for training, supplies and organizational dues to develop the program was secured through a grant from the Episcopal Diocese of Indianapolis; staff time, office space, equipment, and telephone were donated. The director continued to collaborate with the Circuit Court, OFC, and served as a Board member of the Indiana Advocates for Children, Inc. The Brown County Guardian ad Litem became a member of the national GAL/CASA organization. The Brown County Guardian Ad Litem was established as a Court program under the auspices of the Board of Commissioners and began to receive county funding to employ the director part-time in 1993.
The Years Since - Volunteers Trained, Children Protected
In the past 10 years, Brown County Guardian ad Litem volunteers have spent more than 12,756 hours advocating for more than 870 children. County funding has increased and the Brown County Guardian Ad Litem office continues to advocate for children and families in court and to engage the community in protecting its most valuable resource – Our Children.
Leadership
Sallyann Murphey, Director
Sallyann Murphey was appointed Director of the Brown County Guardian ad Litem in 2009. Her past career experience as an investigative journalist, followed by more than 20 years as an educator were the ideal preparation for work that requires in-depth observation; communication skills; and an unshakable belief in the importance of our children.
EMAIL SALLYANN