Well, it is time to venture a bit further down my path of personages who have indelibly influenced who I am today. This time, I want to expatiate upon those individuals whose life circumstances have positioned them to positively impact many lives on a grand scale. Most of us in the helping professions, work diligently to help one life at a time. Sometimes, the circle widens to embrace a group or community; but rarely are we able to have a broad sphere of influence. But that’s okay. It is always the soldier in the trenches who wins the war. But I also need to say – we need more Champions for Children.

From the pages of my mind’s Book of Champions there emerge several giant slayers. I hope everyone has a catalog of champions tucked away in their cerebral RAM. Champions provide inspiration, motivation and help us to remember there is a “big picture” while we are blinkered by our routine and enterprises. To qualify as a “Champion” in my book, one must be an ardent campaigner, advocate, defender or supporter of a cause which brings benefit to those who are mired in circumstances preventing them from helping themselves. In spite of the Horatio Alger mystique, “rugged individualism” is not the solution for most people in need. Champions are able to effect change which benefits many, many more than you and I can do one-on-one. Champions are like a class-action suit.

First to be showcased from the coalition of the influential is the late Eunice Kennedy Shriver. In 40 plus years, she transformed the care of the developmentally disabled almost world-wide. Her story has always intrigued me. Having three brothers deeply embedded within the soul of American politics, John, Robert and Teddy Kennedy, she would have followed suit were it not unacceptable for a woman to pursue such ambitions in that era. Spurred on by her love and concern for her “mentally retarded” sister, Eunice directed her energies and influence towards improving the care and services of children with physical, developmental and mental impairments. In 1962 she was the key founder of the National Institute of Child Health and Human Development under the United States National Health Institute. She also began developing a national network of health-care facilities and services for these children. [In 2008, Congress renamed the Institute that Eunice Kennedy Shriver Institute of Child Health and Human Development.] But, unquestionably the crown of her efforts, that which she will be most remembered for, is the establishment of the Special Olympics. Through her endeavors, the Special Olympics has become an international activity raising awareness of the plight of the mentally and physically handicapped; but more importantly, building character, esteem and self-confidence in the lives of millions who have participated. In 1982, she founded the Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Center for Community-Caring. The “Community of Caring” is a grades K-12, whole school, comprehensive character building education program with a focus on eliminating the stigma associated with disabilities. This program has been adopted by almost 1,200 schools nationwide and in Canada. It goes without saying that this energetic, remarkable lady was a true Champion for children with special needs.

How ironic that Mrs. Shriver’s son-in-law, California Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger, will be leaving office with the legacy of being the first US governor to dismantle the safety net of services for the very children that Eunice spent nearly a half century trying to help and protect. As I stated in a recent op-ed piece, Governor Schwarzenegger not only stopped the bus taking foster, mentally ill and special needs children to a better future, but has thrown the children under the bus, and blown it up for good measure. He is no Champion – he is a Goliath! Maybe the “Terminator” was more than just a movie role.

Another great Champion for kids whom I have been blessed with the good fortune to know, is Jerry Doyle, the recently retired CEO of EMQ–Families First. For 39 years, Jerry piloted what is now California’s largest children’s services agency. Jerry has been one of the most influential leaders and visionaries for improving the care and treatment of children in California over the last four decades. In 1991, Jerry Doyle initiated California’s first in-home Wraparound program as an alternative to institutionalized placement for the most seriously troubled and mentally ill children, and then successfully pushed for legislation that resulted in the program being expanded statewide. Today, 95% of children in California live in counties where Wraparound is available; keeping kids in families and their communities. Jerry it was also one of the principal instigators behind Proposition 63, the Mental Health Services Act passed by the California voters in 2004. Jerry’s innovative spirit, zeal and passion have been acknowledged through multiple local, state and national awards and commendations, and for good reason. He is a real Champion – thousands of California’s most troubled and needy children benefit each and every day because of Jerry Doyle’s efforts!

Six or seven years ago, California passed legislation designed to benefit former foster youth. Unfortunately, and true to form, the state created a program so convoluted that the counties refused to participate. But fortunately, along came another Champion. John Burton, retired President Pro Tempore of the California State Senate, single-handedly led the effort to make sure thousands of former foster youth received the help and support they needed after leaving the system without family or natural support. Senator Burton has been one of the most effective champions of the underserved over the last 40 years. He helped create and pass legislation addressing many critical issues such as access to health and mental health services; programs to prevent and treat domestic violence and substance abuse; services for the homeless; and especially, improving California’s foster care system. After John retired from the Senate in 2004, he created the John Burton Foundation for Children Without Homes. Through his foundation, he effectively oversaw the implementation of the California Transitional Housing Placement – Plus Program, ensuring that former foster youth would have a pathway to successful futures through supportive housing services. He also successfully spearheaded the enactment of federal legislation in 2008, to this same end.

Oh, but that we had more Champions for Children! As this year’s budget debacle revealed, there are giants aplenty searching to and fro, seeking what they can devour. And guess what, foster children are easy prey. Foster and mentally ill children don’t have paid lobbyist to bribe and feather the nests of politicians. Child victims of abuse and neglect don’t have a soapbox or a union. Troubled youth have no face or voice seen or heard in the halls and hearts of California’s political leaders. The recent cuts in treatment services for abused, neglected and mentally ill foster children proposed by the Governor and passed by the legislature, saved the state 1/10th of 1% of the deficit! Ineffective, wasteful state programs costing multiples more continue to gobble up precious state revenue, at the expense of foster children. What does that say about priorities! Is there not one more Champion left to rise to defend and protect our most vulnerable children and youth? I hope so. I pray so. I am firmly convinced there is no greater benchmark of a society’s moral fabric and civility then how it cares for those who cannot care for themselves; most importantly, children. So sound the alarm and issue the call – Champions for Children needed!