December 2024

We invite you to meet Joy Hesselgrave, nominated by Advocacy Specialist Victoria Warmuth. Joy joined Child Advocates as a volunteer in 2022, and she has worked on three child welfare cases, serving seven children ages 15 months to 18 years old.

“Joy shines as an Advocate,” Victoria said. “Her compassion combined with her professional background gives her a unique perspective that adds to every case. She surpasses the standards, providing excellent advocacy to every child.”

We asked Joy to share her experiences as an Advocate for children in foster care in our community.

Is there anything unique about your background that contributes to your approach to advocacy?

I’m a retired pediatric nurse. I worked over 40 years with children in both home and hospital environments. I was exposed to child abuse and neglect and its effects early in my career in Newark, N.J., one of the poorest areas in the state, at the beginning of the AIDS epidemic.

How did you become interested in volunteering as an Advocate?

I had a friend who was a foster care parent. She told me about the role of the Advocate. She shared with me about the children in her home who had an Advocate and the ones who didn’t have one. The experiences and outcomes for the children with a court-appointed Advocate were so much better.

Did you have any reservations about volunteering? How did you overcome them?

I had a lack of understanding of the full scope of the child welfare system and family court. The education provided by Child Advocates and my supervisor’s support were how I learned what I needed to know and do. I also can’t say enough good things about the Community Trauma Impact Conference—I’ve attended the last two years and learned so much.

Explain in your own words the work you do as a volunteer Advocate. Why is it essential for a child?

I provide support and advocacy for children in foster care. I try to help them through the case and all the bumps that come along. My priority is to develop a relationship with the child and their parents and caregivers.

What has surprised you the most about advocacy?

I’m surprised by the depth of the relationship that you develop with the children and the families, how quickly that you can bond with them and become a support person for them. The children embrace you quickly.

What has been the most difficult aspect of volunteering as an Advocate?

The unexpected events that occur in regard to case development—everything from a parent being incarcerated to children experiencing a mental health issue. Advocates must have flexibility for handling the unexpected turns on a case.

Most rewarding aspect of volunteering as an Advocate?

I love to see the relationship and growth between the children and caregivers. I’m also inspired by the resiliency of children when they have support and care.

What would you like the community to know about children in care?

They are regular kids who need good foster homes or kinship placements. They need access to community resources and support.

What have you learned about children in foster care through your advocacy? How has it changed your perspective on the child welfare system?

Child Advocates, CPS [Child Protective Services], and the attorney ad litem [the child’s attorney] work together to recommend what is in the best interest of the child [the judge determines best interest based on the recommendations to the court]. The teamwork has made me more hopeful. When I was a public health nurse in New Jersey, when children were removed from the family, oftentimes the family unit was severed. The focus in Montgomery County is to try to maintain the family network for the child. Our child welfare court is unique, and it gives me a lot of hope.

Is there a particular moment or memory that stands out for you?

The process for four siblings to be adopted by a family member. It was a two-year process to get the children all together in the same home. The two older siblings and the two younger were separated for the first part of the case. The parents were unable to be reunited with their children, and we had a relative who wanted to adopt all four—she had the support of the family. And of course, all the hugs you get at visits!

Anything else you want to share about Child Advocates?

It’s a wonderful way to utilize your volunteer time.