Become a Special Advocate
What is a Special Advocate?
Special Advocates watch over and advocate for abused and neglected children to make sure they do not get lost in the over-burdened legal system or languish in an inappropriate group or foster home.
Special Advocates maintain ongoing communication with all parties involved in each case to best serve the child’s interests and best identify and address the child’s needs.
For many children, their Special Advocate may be the one constant adult presence – an adult who cares only for them, provides companionship and consistency, and encourages special interests.
For the Special Advocate, we ask for a commitment of a minimum of 18 months. Once assigned to a case, we estimate a 10 to 13 hour time commitment per month. Advocates must be at least 21 years of age.
The first step to becoming a Special Advocate is to attend an orientation. After the orientation, you would complete an application package and screening interview before being accepted to training.
You must attend each training session as well as observe one afternoon in Court. Each training session is from 6 – 9 PM, two nights a week over a five week period.
Training is also held in our offices. The court observation is in San Mateo from 2 – 5 PM.