INDIVIDUAL ADVOCACY TEAM::
Frequently Asked Questions
How is the work Best Interest Advocacy Program unique?
The majority of child-serving agencies in our community
work to address specific issues that affect children
by providing a direct service to address a specific
problem. For example, a number of child serving agencies
might provide a direct service such as counseling or
tutoring. We are not a direct service provider; however,
part of our job is to link our clients with the agencies
that are. You might call us a service broker. Additionally,
the complicated nature of our cases force us to examine
the entire history of a child and all the issues that
may affect them – educational, emotional, economic,
medical, social – to ensure successful outcomes
and appropriate solutions to help improve their lives.
This allows us to effectively direct them to agencies
that provide the services they need. If we discover
that the services they need are not available, we work
with our Systems Advocacy Team and others here at the
Council for Children's Rights to fill that gap.
How do the advocates get their job done? Who do you
work with?
We do whatever it takes to make sure that children
are safe and their needs are met. This generally requires
us to work with the child, conduct research, make phone
calls, attend meetings/ court hearings, build coalitions,
negotiate, and coordinate with various entities
to ensure that adequate and appropriate services are
provided as quickly as possible. We work with judges,
social workers, parents, school administrators, case
managers, doctors, and others to ensure that every
child has the opportunity to thrive.
What are the unique qualifications of the advocates?
On our team we have attorneys, a master of social
work, other advanced degrees, bilingual staff, and
many combined years of experience.
Why do children need your voice?
Children are powerless. They are not in a position
to effectively articulate their needs, confront systems
that threaten them, or create strategies to find
solutions. The Council for Children’s Rights
speaks for children when no one else will; we connect
children with adults who will care; we find them
the services they need in order to lead productive
lives; we fights for their rights. Each day the Council
for Children’s Rights works to address the
issues, injustices, and/or situations that shape
a child’s life for better or worse. Our experienced,
knowledgeable staff members know exactly who to call,
what to do, and where to go when a child’s
life is in crisis. We provide hope where others find
roadblocks.
How does your voice have power?
Our power stems from our independence from the government.
We do not accept governmental funding, thus allowing
us to provide children with a powerful, autonomous
voice without fear of reprisal. It allows us to confront
systems, hold them accountable, and get results for
children who are often lost in the complicated human
services system. Our power is also our experience
and our reputation for doing whatever it takes to
keep children safe. We are uncompromising advocates
for children.
Who are the children you serve?
We serve the children of Mecklenburg County. Our target
client base consists of, but is not limited to, children
who are involved with many parts of the youth serving
system. The children that we serve often have a combination
of severe mental health issues, special education
needs, involvement with the juvenile court system, and/or a history of domestic violence, physical/sexual abuse, or neglect. Because of the complicated nature of
their lives, our clients are the children who fall
through the cracks because systems are not designed
to meet their needs. Though these are the majority
of our clients we serve any child in Mecklenburg
County who is in need of our assistance regardless
of race, gender, ethnicity or socioeconomic status.
I care about kids, how can I help?
The Best Interest Advocacy Team has several volunteer
opportunities. Educational Partners assist parents
with children in need of special education services.
Support Pals visit children involved in the mental
health continuum. There are so many ways that you
can help… just remember that behind everything
you do to help the Council for Children’s Rights,
there is a child who will have a better life. volunteer@cfcrights.org |
