David W. Richart

RICHART, DAVID W., nationally recognized child advocate, long-standing champion of justice, died on Sunday, May 15, 2011, after a short bout with pancreatic cancer.

David was born in New Jersey to Dr. Theodore and Margaret Richart, who predeceased him.

He is survived by his brother, James Richart (Deirdre Kramer); a nephew, John Richart (Liz); and a niece, Sarah Anne Callahan (Brian); all of New Jersey and a wealth of friends.

He graduated from Moravian University (Pennsylvania) with the B.A. in psychology. He earned the M.P.S. from Western Kentucky University's School of Public Policy, then the MSSW from U of L's Kent School of Social Work, which later honored him as a Distinguished Alumnus. David earned the PhD from the Union Institute and the University of Cincinnati in 1997.

Working in a variety of child welfare and juvenile justice settings raised David's awareness of the need for an agency that promoted the political interests of poor, minority, and otherwise disadvantaged children. Hence, in 1975, he cofounded and directed Kentucky Youth Advocates where he worked aggressively on behalf of children of children until 1997. His accomplishments were many, receiving awards, grants, and consultations too numerous to mention. David demonstrated his lifelong commitment to advocacy based on evidence by being one of the developers of the annual KIDS COUNT data reports, sketching a picture of the nation's children's well-being. Over his career he published one book and over 130 policy monographs.

Two national awards especially meaningful to him were the first Florette Angel Memorial Child Advocate of the Year Award given by the National Association of Child Advocates (now Voices for America's Children) and the 1992 Lewis Hine Award for Professional Service to Children and Youth, given by the National Child Labor Committee, the oldest child advocacy group in the United States-David joked that the following year this award was bestowed on Hilary Clinton, what good company! David was not an advocate "in theory." He developed lasting friendships with many families he helped without charge to maneuver through the child welfare system. In this process, David became an ally to public service social workers who demonstrated excellence in practice, a thorn in the side of those who automatically disbelieved families.

In 1997, David shifted his focus to research and academia, preparing social workers for advocacy work on a day-to-day basis. He founded the National Institute for Children, Youth, and Families to monitor shifting patterns in child protection, juvenile justice, and education systems, always with a focus on "other people's children"-those kids less likely to be valued by those who make public policy decisions.

David never saw or sought one simple solution to the complicated issues of child protection, juvenile justice, and education. He used and taught multiple strategies to promote social justice for families and children. He modeled humor and creativity in lobbying, always looking for allies in unusual places. Most of all he appreciated good citizens, people who treated "other people's children" exactly as they wanted their own to be treated. David Richart placed his greatest hope in the energy of an informed citizenry speaking out in behalf of all its children and families.

David was an honorary uncle and grandparent to many of his friends' children. His high spirits will be missed at many a holiday table and school cafeteria. Never one to claim sainthood, David was more than aware of his shortcomings. He walked daily on the grounds of the Masonic Campus, and sought wisdom from the residents of its personal care facility. His extraordinary collection of books and music reflect the world's faith traditions, with their shared threads of peace, tranquility, and the common good.

Only 63 years old, David was cared for by many friends, neighbors, his brother Jamie, and the exceptional staff of Hosparus of Louisville. The last few weeks of his life were also cheered by the many friends and former students who offered random acts of kindness in his honor. Those close to him thank his Spiritual Seekers group, the members of the National Institute's Board of Directors, and his faithful neighbors, all of whom offered many special services, especially caregiver Diane.

A celebration of David's Life will be held Saturday at 10 a.m, with breakfast at the Olmstead on the Masonic Home campus, 3701 Frankfort Ave., 40206. Arrangements are under the direction of Pearson's.

In lieu of flowers, we suggest donations in David's honor to Hosparus of Louisville, 3532 Ephraim McDowell Dr., Louisville, KY 40205, as well as continuing to practice random acts of kindness toward others whom you meet along life's journey.