From our start in 1984, Child Advocates has become a leader in the ongoing fight against child abuse in Harris County. That first year, we served 18 children. Since then, we have served more than 22,800.
Child Advocates is a private nonprofit organization in Houston that mobilizes court appointed advocate volunteers to break the cycle of child abuse. We speak up for abused children who are lost in the system and guide them into safe environments where they can thrive. OUR COURT APPOINTED ADVOCATE PROGRAM Our court appointed advocate volunteers are at the heart of Child Advocates’ mission. They are a shining example of how ordinary individuals can make an extraordinary difference in the lives of abused children. These volunteers are appointed by a judge to represent the best interests of a child in foster care. They serve as the judge’s eyes and ears while the child is in custody, ensuring their unique needs are met until they can safely return home or are permanently placed with a loving relative or adoptive family. Unlike Child Protective Services caseworkers and court appointed attorneys who juggle overwhelming caseloads, our volunteers represent just one child at a time. Their advocacy makes sure no child falls through the cracks of our overburdened child welfare system. Court appointed advocates make a profound difference in the lives of the children they serve. Children served by an advocate are better able to work with others and to control deviant behavior than children without an advocate. Also, more parents of these children complete counseling than those without an advocate. With Child Advocates’ help, the cycle of abuse can be broken, allowing these children to become productive adults and loving parents.
What does a court appointed advocate volunteer do? Once appointed to a case, volunteers begin gathering information to help them better serve the child’s needs and make appropriate recommendations to the court. They help secure services from psychological treatment to education, and even help with quality of life events such as birthday parties. Volunteers work with a staff Advocacy Coordinator on each case who guides them through the process. This partnership approaches each case as a team to make sure the child is receiving the best assistance he or she can get. Who makes a good court appointed advocate? Our volunteers range from all ages and realms of experience, but they all have one thing in common: a genuine interest in the wellbeing of the children they serve. Volunteers are required to complete our Advocacy University training course, and must be of 21 years of age or older. Good communication skills are a plus, and there are many cases in need of bilingual volunteers. How much time does it require? In the time it takes to see a movie, you can help a child in need! Volunteers average two to five hours of casework per week. The majority of our volunteers work full-time jobs. How does Child Advocates raise funds? As a private non-profit organization, we raise all of our own funds through foundations, special events, individual giving, places of worship, associations, corporations and government entities. We currently can provide volunteers for approximately half of the children who need one. With your help, we hope to bridge this gap and increase our impact. Whether you are interested in making a one-time contribution, designating Child Advocates as a beneficiary of a gift, or would like your company to sponsor an event, your aid is appreciated.
Other ways to volunteer… Friends of Child Advocates Our Friends group consists of active volunteers who serve as a fundraising arm. They are responsible for producing one of Houston’s most notable holiday social events — The Angels of Hope Luncheon and Fashion Presentation. Young Professionals for Children This dynamic group of young professionals support our mission by volunteering at childrens events and helping raise funds . Any young professional in Houston who wants to make an impact in the lives of abused children is encouraged to join. Special Event Opportunities We understand that not everyone has a schedule flexible enough for regular volunteer commitment; however, you can still help out by volunteering a few hours in our office or helping with one of our events.
Our successes are made possible through the commitment and compassion of our advocates, as well as the unwavering support of generous donors.
Why support us? The children… On any given day, there are nearly 4,000 Harris County children in CPS custody. However, we can only serve about half of that number. Studies have shown that children with an advocate do better than those without one and, with your help, we can train more to serve more area children. Our reputation… Since our start, we have built a solid reputation as a community partner, friend and diligent steward of your funds. Our cost-effective volunteer advocacy model allows us to provide necessary services to children in custody at a very low cost. Our need… Due to our status as a private nonprofit, your continued support is vital to the existence of our program. We receive minimal federal and government funding and we are not a United Way agency. How can I get involved? Any way you can contribute is appreciated, whether it is by becoming an advocate, through a donation or by volunteering at a special event. Call us or visit us online to learn about volunteer and giving opportunities!
3701 KIRBY DRIVE, SUITE 400
www.childadvocates.org
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HOUSTON, TEXAS 77098
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713-529-1396