A Healthy, Happy Life

Debbie Rainford Named 2025 Darlene Kamine Advocate of the Year

Debbie Rainford has been with ProKids for nearly three years. In that time, she’s served an astounding eight kids.

She makes every effort to fill gaps in our cases. And oftentimes, that gap is in the engagement of parents.

When Debbie went through ProKids’ training, like all volunteers, she learned that reunifying families is often in a child’s best interest — so long as it’s safe for that kiddo. 

Sadly, it’s not always possible, but it’s important to give parents a shot. And Debbie’s said, “I’ll be damned if I’m not gonna give it my best for both the parent and the child.” 

She did just that in her very first case — for a boy born addicted and a mom who struggled with substance issues.

Debbie drove this mom to visits with the baby, to register for detox. Mom felt safe with Debbie — opening up about addiction and parenthood. And Debbie received her with empathy.

When mom missed a couple visits, Debbie even drove to mom’s motel. She wanted to show her that somebody cared.

Ultimately, mom couldn’t get sober, so she faded from the picture. No messages, no phone calls, no visits.

From Debbie’s perspective, she did a brave thing, giving her baby the very best chance at a healthy, happy life.

In 2025, the child was adopted by his long-time foster family. He’s one of seven kids in the home — all under 12 — who went running at Debbie every time she visited. Apparently, it’s the noisiest house she’s been in, but the love is immediately evident.

Her hope is that mom has some level of peace knowing that her son is loved there — by his adoptive siblings and parents.

ProKids thanks Debbie for being open-minded, generous, and kind. For respecting the love our parents have for their kiddos, despite the traumas that complicate things.

The children she’s served — and their families — are better off because of her.