Child Advocates, who are volunteers sworn to maintain confidentiality, are important members of the Child Abuse Services Team (CAST).
Child Advocates:
- Help each child feel comfortable at CAST by playing games, initiating creative activities, and offering companionship to the child while they are at CAST.
- See to each child’s basic needs for food and nurturing during the child's visit to CAST.
- Provide comfort and immediate support to parents and other family members.
- Observe any unusual behaviors exhibited by children and report these concerns to appropriate staff members.
- Assist and support children during medical examinations at CAST.
- Perform special projects for staff members as needed.
- Help keep the CAST play areas and advocate rooms clean, orderly, and child-friendly.
- Fulfill public speaking requests on behalf of CAST and participate in community public relations activities, including soliciting funds and in-kind donations.
To become a Child Advocate, volunteers are required to:
- Have a personal interview.
- Be Live Scanned.
- Undergo a background check.
- Attend 16 hours of specialized training.
- Take an Oath of Confidentiality.
- Commit to volunteering at least 4 hours per week for at least one year.
To volunteer, please contact an Advocate Coordinator at (714) 935-7545.
