Family Advocate Program
Dear Friend:
The Family Advocate Program of the Alternate Public Defender is currently seeking volunteers. We hope that members of your organization will be interested in our work and will submit applications for our next training class.
The Alternate Public Defender represents parents in San Diego in Juvenile Court in child dependency matters. In order to better serve parents and families, we have established the Family Advocate Program. Family Advocates are community volunteers who want to help parents reunite with their children. Our Advocates help families in many ways - such as teaching how to budget, sharing tips on child care and appropriate discipline, helping to find community resources and programs such as literacy classes, finding furniture to make a home for a returning child, providing moral support and encouragement in fulfilling their responsibilities to the court and sometimes by just listening.
Our Family Advocates receive initial and ongoing training to help them better understand the needs of the parents and families they serve. The Family Advocates work under the supervision of the parent's attorney.
We are looking for volunteers who are committed to the idea that children belong in their own families whenever possible. We need people who are themselves mature and patient with rich life experience. Volunteers will devote a minimum of twenty hours a month for at least one year.
If you or members of your organization are interested in serving families and children in our community through the Alternate Public Defender Family Advocate Program, please contact our Volunteer Coordinator, Bill McCastle, at 236-2659. He will provide an application and meet with you to answer any questions you may have.
Very truly yours,
Timothy A. Chandler
Alternate Public Defender
County of San Diego
Alternate Public Defender
Juvenile Division
Family Advocate Program
Family Advocate Program Goal Statement:
To assist parents who are involved in the Juvenile Dependency Court System to develop skills which
will lead to becoming responsible parents so that they may reunify with their children.
Family Advocates work with the Family Advocate Volunteer Coordinator at the direction of the Alternate Public Defender attorney representing the parent.
Family Advocates should have personal attributes such as maturity, stability, sensitivity, patience and friendliness. The ability to maintain client confidentiality is mandatory. Family Advocates should have a wide variety of successful life experiences to bring to the volunteer-parent relationship. Family Advocates should provide a non-judgmental supportive friendship and be a role model for the parent.
Typical activities of a Family Advocate:
- Assist the parent in understanding the requirements set forth by the Dependency Court in the Family Reunification Plan.
- Assist the parent in contacting the service referrals listed in the reunification plan and aid the parent in following through with those services.
- Provide the attorney with regular updates regarding the parent's progress.
- Report any problem areas or concerns to the Family Advocate Volunteer Coordinator.
- Provide limited transportation to parents (at the discretion of the Family Advocate) for visitation, therapy appointments, court appearances, etc.
- Provide a personal contact and outlet for the parent to discuss fears, concerns and frustrations.
Training of Family Advocates includes Orientation and monthly meetings/trainings on child abuse and related issues. Family Advocates are expected to make a time commitment of approximately 20 hours per month for at least one year.
Click Here For Volunteer Application Form
