As a volunteer sworn to confidentiality, the child advocate is an important member of the Child Abuse Services Team.  Child Advocates contribute in the following ways:

• help the child feel comfortable at CAST by instigating games, creative activities, and offering friendship
• see to a child’s basic needs for food and nurturing
• provide comfort and immediate support to parents and other family members
• observe any unusual behaviors in children and report them to the appropriate staff member
• assist and support the child during medical examinations
• gather statistical data and provide research for resources available in Orange County that could help CAST clients
• do special projects for staff members
• help keep the play areas and advocate rooms clean, orderly, and child-friendly
• speak on behalf of CAST and participate in community public relations activities including soliciting funds and in-kind donations

To be an advocate will require the following:

• Attend a 2 hour orientation
• Be finger printed
• Have a personal interview
• Have a background check
• Attend 16 hours of training
• Take an oath of confidentiality
• Commit to 4 hours a week

To volunteer, contact the advocate coordinators at (714) 940-4747.