Purpose of a Child Advocate

 

~ Assist you and your child through the interview stage

~ Answer any questions you may have regarding child interviews, counseling, court hearings, etc.

~ Refer you and your child to appropriate organizations as necessary for family support

~ Help prepare your child for court

~ Attend all possible court hearings with your child

What Your Child Advocate Can Do For You

~ Conduct court preparations with your child at Child Protect

~ Conduct court preparations with your child at the courthouse

~ Attend court preparations the district attorney is conducting

~ Provide court preparation if the district attorney is not available

~ Explain the court system to the non-offending caregiver

~ Explain the court system in child-friendly terms

~ Bring entertainment for the child during court

~ Sit with the child to provide advocacy during testimony

~ Sit with the child to help prevent boredom and anxiety during wait times at the courthouse

~ Attend each court session with the child, including arraignment, preliminary hearing, grand jury, trial and sentencing