These children enter foster care because they have been abused, neglected, abandoned or cannot live at home. Sadly sometimes the child welfare system that is designed to protect children becomes so complicated and overburdened that the voice of the child, and what's best for that child, gets lost.
If you answered yes, consider becoming a Volunteer Advocate. Crisis Services Volunteer Advocates provide support, advocacy, and referrals for survivors of sexual assault, their families, and loved ones. We are continually recruiting advocates for the following areas:

One Eccasa Volunteer Advocate/One Family

Children are often represented by a Volunteer Advocate from the first day they enter court and after that on a continuous basis, a philosophy that ensures that each child's needs are individually assessed and addressed with appropriate services. This is a complex task, since the judge assigns our volunteers to the most difficult cases where we can have the biggest impact. Case outcomes may include successful rehabilitation of parents and return home, termination of parental rights, adoption, or custody to a relative.

What kind of experience do you need to become a Eccasa Volunteer Advocate?

Eccasa volunteers come from all walks of life. They have a variety of professional, educational and ethnic backgrounds. No special experience is required. Volunteers are selected on the basis of their objectivity, competence and commitment to children and their needs. Once a community member makes the decision to become a Eccasa volunteer advocate, he/she undergoes a screening process which includes an application, personal and employer references, a Child Abuse or Neglect/Criminal Record Check, Adult Arrest Record Check and personal interview. Once accepted, volunteers are trained by the Eccasa staff and community experts. They learn about courtroom procedure, the social service and juvenile court systems, and the special needs of children who have been abused and neglected. Once assigned to a child, they work closely with their own attorney supervisor who supports their work and is always available for advice and counsel.

Telephone Advocate

Responds to calls on a 24-hour crisis hotline by providing emotional support, referrals and information to survivors of sexual assault, their families, and loved ones. All calls are dispatched to your home or cell phone. Your personal contact information is completely confidential.

Hospital Advocate

Accompanies sexual assault survivors to Sexual Assault Nurse Examiners Unit (SANE) and area hospitals. Provides crisis intervention, support, referrals and information to survivors of sexual violence, their families, and loved ones. Support may also be provided for friends, family members and significant others present with victims. Provide resources and referrals to recent victim/survivor and family, if needed. Serves as an advocate with law enforcement, judicial and medical personnel, as well as other agencies as needed.

Qualifications

All volunteers must :

• Be stable enough to support someone who is in crisis.
• Be at least 18 years of age at the time of training.
• Successfully complete the 4-day training (trainings are held at least three times per year).
• Have an open mind to issues pertaining to sexual assault, relationship violence, substance abuse, choice, race, gender, age, ability, and other cultural factors.
• Give information and referrals regarding abortion providers and related services. We are a pro-choice organization.
• Have the desire and ability to work with individuals and groups of varying backgrounds.
• Have access to a phone.
• Provide their own transportation to and from the hospital.
• Make a minimum six-month commitment to the program.

What You Get Out of the Training

• Crisis intervention skills.
• Listening skills.
• Anti-oppression training.
• Knowledge about sexual violence and its causes and effects.
• Cultural awareness: working within a diverse community.
• Understanding of community resources.
• Skills for advocating for Survivors within the criminal justice system.
• Personal growth and a better understanding of the world around you.
• A good feeling about yourself and your desire to help!

Time Commitment

Potential Volunteer Advocates are required to complete a 40-hour training that includes a reference check and exit interview. Volunteer Advocates are expected to complete at least two six-hour shifts each month during evenings, weekends or holidays, and attend monthly meetings. Volunteer Advocates are asked to commit to at least six months of service.

For more information, contact our offices and ask for the Volunteer Advocate Coordinator or send an email to
Julie Wermers-Executive Director, casadir@brookings.net
Jennifer Christensen-Volunteer Coordinator, casaadm@brookings.net
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