Advocates for Children - Application Process

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Orientations/Training

Application Process

Application and Selection Process

To be considered for our program, the applicant must complete the following:

Complete an application form
Provide a copy of current driver’s license and automobile insurance
Provide three references
Successfully complete a personal interview
Pass Livescan Fingerprint, DMV and Megan's Law Sex Offender Data Base screening

Initial Training Process

After the first screening interview, the Advocate Trainee completes mandatory classroom training of at least 30 hours. The training is taught by Advocate staff and professionals, and topics covered include court process, dynamics of child abuse, understanding families, and much more. Mandatory training includes an afternoon Court visit.

Case Assignment

When all the mandatory training is completed, the new Advocate meets with an Advocate Supervisor for a second screening interview. Advocates now have the opportunity to choose their Advocate child. An Advocate Supervisor will select several cases for the new Advocate to read based on Advocate preferences such as age and location. Please note that the waiting list may limit some of an Advocate’s preferences. Once a child is selected, the Advocate contacts the social worker to discuss the case and to arrange the first meeting with the child.

Ongoing Education/In Service Training

Advocates are required to complete a minimum of twelve (12) hours each year in continuing education. This can be accomplished by reading relevant books and/or magazines, watching movies and attending workshops, seminars and monthly Networking Meetings.

Children Waiting

Ray(4)

Ray has an older brother and a younger sister. They were all found in a hotel room in extremely unsanitary conditions with no food and little clothing. They suffered from severe neglect... more

Raoul(11) & Maria(15)

Both children lived with their father who was physically abusive to them. The father is now incarcerated and they have been placed with their estranged mother. The adjustment is very difficult for them... more

You CAN make a difference.