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South Dakota

Fred Tully Clinical Services Director Children's Home Society 24100 S. Rockerville Road Rapid City, SD 57702

Fred Tully has served as Clinical Services Director at Children's Home Society (CHS) of South Dakota for the past 21 years. CHS is licensed as a child placement agency and provides residential treatment at two locations, Black Hills and Sioux Falls, a 30-day assessment facility providing therapeutic foster care and a day treatment program. The expertise of CHS lies in the treatment of severely emotionally disturbed children who have been abused and or neglected.

Mr. Tully has always been a strong advocate for children and for Child Protection Services (CPS) in South Dakota. Not only has he been actively involved in the treatment of abused and neglected children over the years, but he has also worked closely with CPS in the development and implementation of a wide range of projects. One such project is the development of an emergency shelter for abused and neglected children in Rapid City, South Dakota. The shelter officially opened in October 2000, and it is proving to be a much needed resource for child protection staff in Rapid City.

Another example of Mr. Tully's leadership involves the recruitment and training of foster and adoptive parents. Because of his efforts, CHS has a PRIDE trainer on staff to lead recruitment activities for CPS and to assist in the training of prospective foster and adoptive parents. This effort has prompted an increase in the number of inquiries from individuals interested in becoming a foster parent and/or an adoptive parent, thereby resulting in more placement resources for children.

Mr. Tully believes in the golden rule - do unto others as you would have them do unto you - and he lives that rule every day of his life. His dedication, compassion, empathy, and humor have served hundreds of children, families, and professionals over the years. In addition to his work at CHS, he is a founding board member of the World Organization of Resilient Kids and a founding board member of Reclaiming Youth International. He has also served as a board member of the local Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA) program, Girls Scouts, and Catholic Social Services.

Mr. Tully has been awarded the Humanitarian Award from the Rapid City Chamber of Commerce and the Human Services Award from the Rapid City Community. This past year, he was also awarded the internationally-recognized Spirit of Crazy Horse Award. The main treatment unit on the campus of Black Hills Children's Home is named Tully House in honor of his service and dedication to the youth of South Dakota.

Updated on February 24, 2010