What is a court appointed Child Advocate? (Also, referred to as Court Approved Child Advocate).
This phrase “Court Appointed Child Advocate” generally refers to situations wherein the court appoints a special advocate for a child because there is a belief by the court that the parent(s) or legal custodians of the child may not have the child’s best interests at heart. In such cases, the special child advocate gives the child “a voice” with concerns in a court of law.
Typically, a court appointed child advocate might represent a child in matters of child or domestic abuse. The child may reside in a divorced, foster or non divorced family.
Court appointed special advocates might also be used in cases where a third party disputes the parents’ (or legal custodians’) decisions on behalf of their child. For example, if a doctor recommends a life-saving treatment for a child and the parents/guardians disagree, this may result in the doctor (acting as the third party) to seek a court appointed child advocate for the child.
A good nationwide reference is The National CASA – Court Appointed Special Advocate Association. This nonprofit network supports and promotes court appointed volunteer advocacy for abused or neglected children so that they can thrive in safe environment.
CASA has a network of more than 1,050 local community program offices to support volunteers serving children.
Also, it’s a good idea to research your own state’s legal resources. Most states have some type of Court Appointed Child Advocate Program in place through their Family Court or Juvenile Dependency Courts. If there are serious issues involving your child or a child you know, please do not hesitate to act NOW.