Guardians protecting Waushara County’s most vulnerable

Motorcycle groups riding across Waushara County is not unusual but certainly do catch your attention. There is one group that needs our appreciation for the crucial role they with children in need called the Guardians. Their motto is “Don’t Let Your Silence Drown Out Their Cries!”
The Guardian’s mission is to recognize and react to child abuse and educate the public to do the same; to serve as advocates to provide strength and stability to families in crisis; and be an answer to the prayer of an abused child or teen for courage, support, and protection. “When a child calls, we ride.
The Wolf River Chapter currently has 31 members and each member is a volunteer. The chapter currently serves 13 counties: Waushara, Waupaca, Portage, Shawano, Green Lake, Fond du Lac, Calumet, Manitowoc, Brown, Outagamie, Oconto, Menominee, and Winnebago counties. However, Wisconsin has five chapters total (Hawg City, Belle City, Castle Rock, Wolf River, and Northern Lights) that work together to help a child in need. Chapters will also collaborate on cases when necessary.
Guardians receive referrals from a variety of sources, from social workers, court advocates, nonprofits, as well as the victims themselves. Once an outcry has been made, the intake process begins. This is usually led by a Child Liaison Coordinator (CLC) and/or Chapter President. During this process, the CLC and/or President verify that a police report has been made to ensure the legitimacy of an abuse or neglect case vs. a custody battle and have an initial informal conversation with the family to get the basic facts about the situation.
Next, the CLC or a Child Liaison and at least three officers will have a formal conversation with the legal guardian(s) of the victim(s) to obtain background on the child(ren) and the alleged abuse/neglect. During the conversation, Guardians will ask about any upcoming court dates families may need support (e.g. dates in which the child might have to testify) along with any known triggers (e.g. bathrooms because this is where the abuse took place or swear words because they were always said during the abuse) as well as any emotional or behavioral needs (e.g. child needs to know he/she is wanted because he/she has been in 10+ foster homes after being abused).

The Guardians also ask, “What do you feel we can provide for you and your family?” and “What are your immediate needs?” because sometimes families have misconceptions about what they do to support them. Guardians also inquire if the child is in or has been in counseling services to support their healing and health as well as reinforce recommended strategies.
After the formal intake has taken place then our officers discuss it and vote on “adopting” them into our organization. If approved, a formal adoption ceremony is held in which the child(ren) is given a certificate of adoption, a kid’s biker cut with their chosen road name on it, a stuffed wolf (because we are the Wolf River chapter), and a couple of other goodies. They are given resources on how to get a hold of a Guardian if they are scared or just want to talk. Our ‘Lil Guardians’ can remain with their Guardian until they are 18 years of age, at which time they can choose to become a member and support the kids.
Judges and law enforcement have responded well to the program. “I remember one instance last year in which we were at court supporting a Lil Guardian who was waiting to testify. We were waiting in the hallway outside the courtroom when another judge came out of her chambers to meet us and introduce herself because she heard we were there. She repeatedly told me she appreciated what we did for children in these circumstances and was always welcome in her courtroom,” shared one Guardian.
Guardians have numerous positive experiences like these with bailiffs and police officers shaking our hands and coordinating with the volunteers. Bailiffs have helped us stand between our families and the perpetrators and their family and friends, blocking the line of sight so our Lil Guardian can feel safe and protected. Police officers and Guardians also make sure to support each other’s fundraisers.
Naturally, every child is different, but the simple formula each Guardian applies is love, time, consistency, acceptance, and structure. Even when the child is experiencing intense emotions, Guardians consistently show up with acceptance to help them through their situation.
The Wolf River Chapter is six years old this year, so they are just now getting Lil Guardians turning 18 soon. At that time, they will have the option to become a patched member like in other chapters.
The choice to become a member is a personal one, because despite all of the support from the group, they can still serve as reminders of what they have been through. So, some Lil Guardians prefer to remain friends without joining the group.
Guardians are funded entirely through donations from individuals and organizations.
Lack of funding and members have been their biggest obstacles. Each year, new Lil Guardians are adopted into the chapter, which has increased their financial needs. Each member is a volunteer, with some with more time than others. It takes a village to raise a child, but when a child has additional or special needs, it’s more like it takes a small city to raise a child, so we are always in need of members.
How can one become involved as a Guardian? The easiest way to donate is online through their website at www.gocwolfriver.com for monetary donations and to connect with us on Facebook (facebook.com/wolfrivergoc) for non-monetary donations. If someone is interested in becoming a Guardian, they can either contact them on Facebook or attend a monthly meeting, which is held on the fourth Sunday of every month at Noon at Hotel Fremont (218 Wolf River Drive) in Fremont.