Child protection advocates work to protect children from abuse and neglect, and to ensure their rights are respected. They may also help children access resources and services.
What they do
Build relationships: Child advocates work with children and their families to build relationships and communicate needs
Facilitate visits: Child advocates may help children visit with biological family members
Determine placement: Child advocates may help determine where a child will live, and if there are any special needs
Make recommendations: Child advocates may make recommendations to judges in court
Provide support: Child advocates may provide emotional support and answer questions
Refer to resources: Child advocates may refer families to resources that can help, such as education, childcare, and parenting services
Who they work with
Children
Child advocates work with children who may be abused or neglected, or who may not have others to represent them
Families
Child advocates work with children's families to communicate needs and facilitate visits
Professionals
Child advocates may work with professionals in the child welfare system, such as family law attorneys, social workers, and GALs
How to find a child advocate
You can use the advocate locator on the Council of Parent Attorneys and Advocates, Inc. (COPAA) website
You can call your state's Parent Training and Information Center
You can inquire with local disabilities organizations