They act as a communications link between the child and the juvenile courts. By meeting with the child, parents, foster parents, attorneys, caseworkers, teachers, therapists and all other involved parties, the volunteer can assess what placement and services are in the child's best interests. Volunteers gather all the pertinent information about their child's case and make recommendations to the judge based on that information. Volunteers work in tandem with a staff Advocacy Coordinator who guides their casework and supports the efforts of the volunteer. Our staff members have expertise in working on behalf of abused children and are there to coach the volunteer through casework, court, working with the child and families and all other aspects of their volunteer role.
Volunteers provide a continuum of services customized to meet each child's needs.
They locate vital therapeutic and rehabilitative services for 100 percent of the children we serve to help children deal with the trauma of abuse. In addition, our volunteers provide special needs items such as eyeglasses, clothing, beds, tutoring, school supplies, backpacks and other basic needs. Volunteers come from all careers, cultures, educational backgrounds, ages, and experiences-that's what makes this program work. The primary requirements for being a Child Advocates, Inc. volunteer are that you have a genuine interest in the well being of children, are a proactive communicator, and complete Advocacy University. Court Appointed Advocate volunteers are good communicators, objective, responsible, committed, and understand the important role they have in a child's life.