Permanency Pro Strikes a Chord of Kindness, Humor and Skill
By Rachel Paashaus, PAE Coordinator
David Dillard accepts the Permanency Professional Award from Laval Miller-Wilson, Deputy Secretary, Department of Human Services, at the June 2024 Pennsylvania Permanency Conference Recognition Banquet.
The year was 1996. Gasoline was $1.23 per gallon and one of the worst blizzards swept through Philadelphia delivering a record 30 inches of snow. That year, the Pittsburgh Steelers fell to the Dallas Cowboys in the Super Bowl, and the 26th Summer Olympics came to Atlanta, Georgia. In pop music, The Smashing Pumpkins were the most nominated artist at the MTV Video Music Awards. Another significant event did not make national headlines but has changed the lives of countless people: David Dillard became a foster care caseworker at Delaware County Children and Youth, where he has worked for almost 30 years.
David has spent most of his career working in the permanency unit and is one of the most genuine, thorough, and kind people one could have the privilege to know. To say David is beloved by colleagues and clients is no exaggeration. His heartfelt, skilled interventions have helped countless children secure permanency through reunification, adoption, or custodianship. He is also a fierce advocate for justice and racial equality. David is remarkable not only for his attention to detail, calm demeanor, and wealth of knowledge but also because of his capacity to build connections with children, first families, and adoptive parents. The county’s Orphan’s Court judge recognized David’s incredible connective skills with families, especially after challenging and emotional court hearings. David’s humility is one of his greatest assets as he bridges gaps and builds relationships.
Don’t be fooled into thinking David is mild-mannered or content to sit quietly in the back of a conference room. He is a comedian at work and keeps everyone laughing and smiling. A quirky comment, joke, or piece of useless information puts a smile on the faces of those around him. He’s known in the office as the “Karaoke King,” infusing music and humor into child welfare work.
His love of music was on display during his acceptance speech at the 2024 Pennsylvania Permanency Conference Recognition Banquet when he quoted multiple musical artists. Despite being honored with the Permanency Professional award, David didn’t talk about himself much, choosing to focus on everyone around him who he attributes to making him into the man he is today. From his grandparents, parents, wife, and family, to his colleagues, co-workers, and those people who have passed on, David remembered and shared the honor with people who have been influential to his life and work. His family members were beaming with pride as they spoke about him with fondness and admiration. His joy multiplied as he shared the honor with his family and friends.
David’s work, life, and award remind us that we are never too old to need permanency and family connections. He has helped finalize adoptions for children ages 17, 18, and older as he does not give up on the belief in permanency.
“Music does a lot of things for a lot of people. It's transporting, for sure. It can take you right back, years back, to the very moment certain things happened in your life. It's uplifting, it's encouraging, it's strengthening.” -Aretha Franklin