DEC20JAN21 DPSS Newsletter

Social Worker Honored as Champion for Native Children and Families

Cameron Galford takes pride in being a professional social worker. In her 27-year career at DPSS, Galford has championed for Native children and families, while working behind the scenes as a powerful agent of change. “Riverside County is a tribally rich region and their voices need to be heard,” said Galford, Social Services Supervisor II, during a recent interview.

DEC20 | JAN21

In recognition of her dedication to Riverside County’s tribal communities, Galford was recently presented the 2020 Champion Award from the Tribal Justice Collaborative (TJC) during the Ninth Annual Southern California Judicial Convening Virtual Event. The TJC is guided by a judicial advisory, whose goal is improving outcomes for tribal children and families by promoting best practices for courts and child serving agencies such as DPSS.

“I take pride in being a professional social worker, listening to our tribal partners, interpreting the needs, and then translating those from a systems perspective into what we can do for each child. We do reduce and remove barriers every day. I am vested in my support to work both internally and externally to do the right thing for the children. My intent is purposeful in the journey to maintain and grow the strong foundation we have.” Cameron Galford--Social Services Supervisor II

“Cameron has strengthened collaboration between Riverside County and the tribes since attending the first ICWA training,” said Tom Lidot, Tlingit, tribal liaison for the TJC, who presented Galford with the honor during the virtual ceremony that can be found online. “She is an exemplary example of active commitment.”

The Indian Child Welfare Act (ICWA) of 1978 is a federal law that seeks to keep Native children united with their families and tribal communities. In

Riverside County, there are 126 cases identified as ICWA eligible and 154 that are pending. “But they are all our children,” said Galford. Galford’s love for this underserved population began when attending cultural celebrations and traveling with her parents to different Indian reservations across the U.S. Her passion was further cemented after she completed an internship with Native elders in Washington state. “I knew then I had found the right career path,” she said. In her years of experience with Children Services, Galford has built strong, trusted relationships between tribal partners and Riverside County. She continues to lead the ICWA consistency group and ensures her fellow social workers have a central place to address the challenges of the Native children and families on their caseloads. (continued to page 5)

Cameron Galford, a DPSS social worker, received the 2020 Champion Award at the Ninth Annual Southern California Judicial Convening Virtual Event on Oct. 23. She was gifted an honoring blanket by the Tribal Justice Collaborative.

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