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Child advocate training: an overview

Being a child advocate involves not only grit, but also compassion. Learn from this basic overview about child advocate training.

A child with flower by Lubs Mary. on FlickrTo become a child advocate or to be able to give a neglected or abused child a voice, child advocate training is necessary. There are many different child advocacy programs available that can provide you with the training you need to obtain a job in this field.

What is a child advocate?

A child advocate is an individual, a group of individuals or an agency dedicated to ensuring certain rights of children are being met. Child advocates promote optimal development in children and help to correct situations where neglect or abuse are present. An advocate can provide a voice for children who are in situations that are abusive or neglectful. Their goal is to help improve the situation or remove the child from it if it is not correctable.

Being a child advocate means speaking for a neglected or abused child, as well as fighting for the rights of that child.

What does a child advocate do?

The responsibilities of a child advocate are quite simple. They are trained to recognize when a child may be in trouble or when his or her needs are not being properly met. They work at schools, daycares, hospitals, social service buildings and anywhere where children may be in need of outside assistance.

Classes begin soon. Find your human services or social work program and apply today!

It is a child advocate's job to make every effort to prevent children from being neglected or harmed and to gain justice for such children. A child advocate aims to ensure that children are getting the positive things they are entitled to, like an education, medical care, food and a stable living environment.

How long does it take to become a child advocate?

Becoming a child advocate takes a very special type of person. While legal or social work training and education can be beneficial, many child advocacy organizations offer training to those who want to become a child advocate. The time it takes to complete these training programs can vary from program to program.

In addition to training, you must also undergo an extensive background check. Once all of this is complete, you can have the credentials you need to obtain a job in this field.

To become a successful child advocate takes more than just training classes and a clean background check. In order to be successful, you should posses a strong desire to make sure children are being taken care of and that all of their rights are being met.

Child advocate training is only part of what it takes to become a child advocate. Compassion and passion are needed attributes as well.

To start your child advocacy training, sign up for health care and social work classes today!

Photo credit: Lubs Mary. via Compfight CC.