A Child Advocate volunteering with the Support Center for Child Advocates (Child Advocates) is a lawyer who represents abused or neglected children. The lawyer works as part of a team with a Child Advocates social worker providing legal assistance and social service advocacy to a child or sibling group in Philadelphia County.
The Support Center for Child Advocates teams Volunteer Attorneys with Child Advocate Social Workers to represent abused and neglected children in Philadelphia. A victim services agency, we work together with other professionals to secure needed services and ensure the safety of every child in our care, with the ultimate goal of securing a permanent, nurturing environment for each one.
what you can expect: The Volunteer Attorney and Child Advocate Social Worker share responsibilities and work as a team. Volunteer Attorneys typically visit their child-clients at least four times a year, appear in court every three to six months, attend meetings periodically, and make frequent phone calls to ensure services are implemented.
As a Volunteer Attorney, you do not have to know family law. Child Advocates requires prospective volunteers to attend a full-day of training which covers the basics of child welfare practice and victim services. You will also learn about the child welfare system from the Child Advocate Social Worker who works with you in representing the child. We serve as a voice for what our children want and need.
You do not need to be a litigator to become a Volunteer Attorney but you do need to be willing to appear in court and be an active voice for your client. Much of the work in representing children is done outside of court — attending meetings, visiting the child's home, and making phone calls.
We estimate that Volunteer Attorneys spend 2 to 10 hours a month working on Child Advocates' cases. The amount of time you will work on a case depends on the case and varies while the case is open. During the first month, the case will require home visits and court appearances. Later, the case may stabilize and require less time.
It is beneficial for our child-clients to have the same lawyer representing them over time because so many other people in their lives may change. The duration of cases vary. A typical case could last approximately 3 years. Volunteer Attorneys are encouraged to represent the child throughout the duration of the case.
requirements
License to practice law in Pennsylvania
Eagerness to work with children
Willingness to work collaboratively with a Child Advocates social worker
Interest in working with diverse populations
Ability to advocate in court on behalf of a child
Responsibilities
Attend court hearings every 3-6 months
Attend home visits approximately 4 times a year
Attend meetings concerning the child at agencies, schools
and other locations where the child receives services
Make telephone calls to parties and professionals to investigate needs of the family and to ensure the implementation of appropriate services
Review school, DHS, DA and other agency records and files pertaining to the child
File petitions and other legal documents on the child’s behalf
Time Commitment
The duration of cases vary. A typical case could last approximately 3 years. Child Advocates are encouraged to represent the child throughout the duration of the case.
The hours vary according to the needs of the child and the status of the child’s case. Child Advocates estimates that most volunteers spend approximately 2 to 10 hours a month or 40 to 50 hours a year representing a child. Benefits
Make a difference in the life of a child.
Gain valuable courtroom and negotiation experience.
donate your services
If you are interested in becoming a volunteer attorney or need more information, please contact:
