The Port Gamble S’Klallam Tribal Court Child Advocates Program’s Mission is to break the cycle of child abuse and neglect through Tribal court advocacy
mission statement
What is a Child Advocate?
A Child Advocate (CA) is a community volunteer who is appointed by a judge to advocate in court for abused and neglected children when Child Welfare says a child is in danger and needs to be protected. The CA volunteer works to ensure the child’s voice is brought to the court to highlight the child’s overall safety and well-being anytime there is a court hearing regarding the child’s welfare.
What does a CA do?
CA volunteers average ten hours a month working on a child’s case. The advocate researches the child’s situation by talking to the child, the child’s parents, teachers, counselors, and anyone with a significant role in the child’s life. The CA makes educated recommendations to the court to support the safety, well-being, and cultural ties for the child.
What kind of experience is necessary to become a Child Advocate?
No previous experience is necessary to become a CA. When you become a volunteer we will provide you with extensive training, backup support, and the power to positively influence life-changing court decisions.
Court Advocates are everyday people
Because court advocates volunteer on one case at a time, they truly get to know the child and can give each child in their case the sustained, personal attention each child needs and deserves.
Be a voice for the child. Advocate for the well-being and protection of abused and neglected native children in Tribal Court dependency cases.
Volunteer Opportunity
Volunteer Child Advocates who can commit to advocating for abused and neglected children in Tribal Court cases are needed.
Tribal Court Child Advocates (CA) are volunteers trained and supervised by the Port Gamble Tribal Court Child Advocates Program (CAP). Volunteer CAs are appointed by a judge to serve as special advocates for abused and neglected children in the court system.
Why are Volunteers needed?
When children are removed from their parental homes because of abuse or neglect , their cases are overseen by the Tribal Court and may be called Child in Need of Care (CINC) or Dependency cases. Children in this situation may be placed in out-of-home placement with a relative, member of the Tribe, or foster care. Throughout this process, may people become involved in the families’ lives; such as ICW Family Care Coordinators, service providers, and the Tribal Court. The Tribal Court judge determines what is best for the child’s safety and well-being. Volunteers advocate on behalf of the child and bring the child’s voice to the Tribal Court proceedings.
What does the Volunteer do?
The Volunteer gathers information; talks with the child, family members, teachers, doctors, counselors, and anyone else who is important in the child’s life. The Volunteer sorts out what is happening in all aspects of a child’s life, gathering essential information and gaining and understanding of the child’s needs.
After the information is gathered, the Volunteer writes a report fo the Tribal Court that will include making recommendations to meet the child’s safety and well-being needs. The Tribal Court considers the Volunteer’s report along with information from the child’s family, family care workers and other parties to the case.
Volunteers promote the child’s voice in the Tribal Court while working collaboratively with the professionals and families to focus on the child’s needs.
If you are interested in this rewarding opportunity for the children of the the Port Gamble S’Klallam Tribe, please complete an application or contact Boni Cherelle for more information.
Boni Cherelle
Child Advocates Volunteer Coordinator
360-328-4960
bcherelle@pgst.nsn.us
What is a Guardian Ad Litem in Family Court?
A guardian ad litem (GAL), is an adult who is trained and/or certified to complete custody investigations for the court and make recommendations about the custody or visitation rights of parents.
The court will usually appoint a GAL when there are important issues about the safety or well-being of a child. For example, if a parent tells the court they are concerned about any of the following issues: abandonment, neglect, abuse, domestic violence; or sex offense, or any other problem that may harm the children’s best interest, the court is likely to appoint a GAL.
The court tells the GAL to investigate the situations of both parents and the children. The GAL will listen to each parent to learn what the parent believes is the best parenting arrangement for their child. The GAL will observe and interact with the child in a way that is appropriate for the child’s age. Once the investigation is complete, the GAL will report back to the court and make recommendations for the court to consider. The GAL attends the court hearings and is an advocate for the best interests of the child that will give the child all the benefits both parents have to offer.
Resources
More information, training, and volunteer opportunities are available at the Washington State Association of Child Advocate Programs.