Hartsville Lawyer Honored for Child Advocacy Work

Frank Cervone's master's degree says a lot about the man.

The Hartsville resident recently was awarded the Andre Hamilton Award by the Public Interest Section of the Philadelphia Bar Association for his work with the Support Center for Child Advocates. The center is the country's oldest and largest pro bono legal and social services agency for abused and neglected children.

Cervone is a nationally known attorney, with a law degree from Villanova. But he also holds a master's in theology and ministry from LaSalle. 

"I was a member of the Christian Brothers. I spent eight years in religious life," he explained. "I didn't leave the work; I just left the community and got married. I think I continue to do a form a ministry now."

Cervone says he learned a lot about "the tradition of healing."

"I think it's an important part of what I do. ...we and those who we help have spiritual needs and a spiritual dimension that is an important part of the work. We find a sense of morality, a sense of purpose. In a sense, we find our identity there."

Cervone has been a public interest lawyer for 32 years. He began his legal work in child welfare as a staff attorney at Delaware County Legal Assistance Association and adjunct clinical professor at Villanova University School of Law, where he instructed law students in domestic abuse and child support litigation, and served as counsel for Saint Gabriel's System, an agency providing treatment services for juvenile offenders.

"It's the work I've always wanted to do as a lawyer," he said.

He became the general counsel for the Support Center for Child Advocates in 1990. Two years later he became its executive director and remains in that position. 

The 54-year-old Cervone manages 27 paid staffers and more than 300 volunteer lawyers. Since its founding in 1977, the Support Center has trained more than 3,500 attorneys who contribute pro bono services valued at more than $4.6 million annually. 

"It's not easy to find them. We are constantly recruiting," he said. "In this economic marketplace lawyers are no different than anyone else; they're fighting for their incomes. It's pretty amazing that so many lawyers are finding the space in their lives to do this kind of work."

The Support Center's recruiting message is one that has come from experience.

"There is a tremendous personal satisfaction that comes from helping others," Cervone said. "One might imagine how personal and poignant work with child victims can be. I get a charge out of helping kids overcome the fear that comes from victimization."

Asked about any particular cases that stand out for him, Cervone didn't hesitate to recall a girl of about 12 years old.

"She was sexually abused by her father every Saturday when her mom went out to the laundry, and it went on for years," he said. "She was heroic in talking about that and testifying against him. He was convicted and sent away for a long time."

Cervone said there is a sad reality to the alleged child molestation maelstrom at .

"One of the ironies of the Penn State cases is that those of us in the work have seen this story too many times before. We feel the rest of the world is finally catching up," he said. 

The Public Interest Section provides a forum for public interest and private lawyers to come together on behalf of Philadelphia's neediest communities. Each year, it honors a legal service advocate or public defender with the Andrew Hamilton Award, named for the celebrated 18th century Philadelphia lawyer. The award honors a public interest lawyer who exemplifies the courage, skill and commitment that Hamilton epitomized.

Cervone received the award Dec. 1 at the Loews Hotel. Katayun I. Jaffari, president of the Support Center for Child Advocates Board of Directors, had high praise for the 54 year old.

"He is a man whose expertise and dedication have made his name synonymous with child advocacy," she said.

Cervone said he was "thrilled with the recognition" by his peers and enjoyed spending time with "young, up-and-coming lawyers who are interested in this work" at the reception.

"I'm sure they take some inspiration from me and my peers, and I take inspiration from them," he said.