Speak up for a child! Abused, Neglected, Abandoned children need a voice in court! APPLY to be a Volunteer

What is a Volunteer Advocate?

A court-appointed Volunteer Advocate is an objective, sensitive, trained volunteer appointed by a judge to represent the best interests of child(ren) in the 'neglect' system.

QUALIFICATIONS ARE:

• Concern for children;


• Maturity to understand and deal with emotional situations;


• Ability to remain objective;


• Belief in the idea that children have certain basic human rights;


• Commitment to complete the Volunteer Advocate training program and to work compatibly with others in the system for at least one year.

ADVOCATE SERVICES INCLUDE:

• Independent research to provide factual information to the Family Court;


• Advocacy for child(ren) who are subjects of judicial proceedings;


• Monitoring of cases(s) until the terms of Court Order(s) have been fulfilled; and


• Representations of the child's best interest(s) in all judicial proceedings including written reports/recommendations.

OUTCOMES:

1. Increase in the quality/quantity of case information available to case principals and the court system.


2. Development and accessibility of a cadre of trained lay persons to work on behalf of affected children;


3. Increased resources to improve the lives and permanency placement outcomes for abused and neglected children.