Resources

#MondayMotivation: three new staff members!

This last Monday of National Child Abuse Prevention Month we are introducing you to the newest members of our MCAP Family: PFA (Protection From Abuse) Staff Attorney Eileen Schaeffer, Director of Community Partnerships Ingrid Parker, LPC, and Compliance Coordinator Annette Long-Tulio. They all joined us within the last eight months. Read on to learn what they do at MCAP and what they want you to know about our work for the child victims of Montgomery County.

Eileen Schaeffer, Esq., PFA Staff Attorney

What is your role MCAP? As the PFA Staff Attorney at MCAP, I provide support and assistance to advocates representing child victims in PFA matters. I am present when PFA court is in session to assist if an advocate encounters a novel situation and wants to consult or brainstorm potential strategies and solutions. PFA court can be chaotic and overwhelming, especially for new advocates. I am available if they want to attend and observe a PFA hearing prior to taking on a client. I also represent children in PFA matters and provide coverage for advocates in dependency matters.

What do you want people to know about MCAP? I am so grateful to be a part of the MCAP family. My child clients are an inspiration. While enduring horrific family situations, they demonstrate a humbling level of strength, endurance and grace. It is a privilege to assist and support them at a difficult time in their lives. The joy of seeing them mature into responsible adults (and parents!) is immeasurable.

Annette Long-Tulio, Compliance Coordinator

What is your role at MCAP? As Compliance Coordinator, I am the official MCAP noodge! Due to their contact with children, attorneys who volunteer with MCAP must complete their clearances and certifications. Those clearances include requirements under the Child Protective Services Law (CPSL). The CPSL requires individuals to obtain the required clearances at a minimum of every 60 months. It is my job to be persistent; to contact and follow up with advocates who need to supply MCAP with proof of clearances obtained in accordance with CPSL. Collection of proof of clearance documents, tracking of clearance expirations, and keeping up to date with any new laws are required in this position. Clearances include: Pennsylvania Child Abuse History Clearance; Pennsylvania State Police Criminal Record Check; Federal Bureau of Investigations Criminal History Background Check; Mandated Reporter Training – Recognizing and Reporting Child Abuse

What do you want people to know about MCAP? I want people to know that MCAP genuinely cares about children and the communities in which we live.  The evidence of fulfilling clearance requirements is essential information needed from volunteer advocates to keep children safe from abuse and neglect.

Ingrid Parker, Director of Community Partnerships

What is your role at MCAP? As MCAP’s Director of Community Partnerships and Social Worker, I am working to develop a trauma-informed culture and practice. Through trauma training and assisting our attorneys with clinical insight and suggestions for community resources, I am helping MCAP to work in the best interest of the children that we serve.

What do you want people to know about MCAP? That each staff member and attorney is experienced, dedicated, and genuinely helping the children and families that we encounter.