Child Advocacy Essay

Explanation Paper on Child Advocacy soc 4800 Dr. Schmidt Child advocacy refers to a range of individuals, professionals and advocacy organizations who promote the optimal development of children. An individual or organization engaging in advocacy typically seeks to protect children’s rights which may be abridged or abused in a number of areas. This type of occupation advocates for all children whether they are a boy or a girl. Children in all areas of the globe experience some sort of abuse and without omeone in place to be that voice for them, their cries are left unheard. My presentation points out the Job description of a child advocate and how someone can take this position to make a difference. I intern at the Haven which is a battered women’s shelter and I see firsthand how children are affected by abuse. Child advocates don’t make much money to do what they do, however, the reward is eternal. Child advocates exist in school, community, and home environments, and ork on an individual, group or governmental levels to protect and nurture children. In most circumstances, mothers, fathers, family and teachers all advocate on behalf of children, although it is well recognized that we all have the ability and responsibility to advocate on behalf of children. Eight Canadian provinces. including Ontario, have an official Child Advocate whose job it is to protect the interests and welfare of all the children in the province. Within he criminal Justice system, child advocates are concerned with the developmental needs of children and young people, and can play an important role in ensuring due process rights for young people in conflict with the law. They can help provide a voice for children and young people, ensure Just and humane conditions of custody, and guard the privacy rights surrounding record provisions. They can also work to ensure that the special legal protections assigned to young people are provided with dignity and fairness.