Child Advocate (CAST)

Child Advocates, who are volunteers sworn to maintain confidentiality, are important members of the Child Abuse Services Team.  Child Advocates:

• Help each child feel comfortable at CAST by instigating games, initiating creative activities, and offering friendship.

• See to each child’s basic needs for food and nurturing during the child's visit to CAST.

• Provide comfort and immediate support to parents and other family members.

• Observe any unusual behaviors exhibited by children and report these concerns to appropriate staff members.

• Assist and support children during medical examinations at CAST.

• Gather statistical data and research resources that may be available to assist CAST clients in Orange County.

• Perform special projects for staff membersm as may be needed.

• Help keep the CAST play areas and advocate rooms clean, orderly, and child-friendly.

• Fulfil public speaking requests on behalf of CAST and participate in community public relations activities, including soliciting funds and in-kind donations.

To become a Child Advocate, volunteers are required to:

• Attend a 2-hour orientation meeting.

• Be LiveScanned.

• Have a personal interview.

• Undergo a background check.

• Attend 16 hours of specialized training.

• Take an Oath of Confidentiality.

• Commit to volunteering 4 hours per week.

To volunteer, please contact an Advocate Coordinator at (714) 935-7545.