Child Protection Advocacy

Child Protection Advocacy

1. If you were a child protection professional or child advocate, explain some of your key roles and responsibilities. Describe the elements involved in casework and Family Case Planning.
2. Which parts of the job do you think you would like best? Which would you like least?
3. Consider an international perspective on child protection and highlight the implications of taking a relational approach to children’s consent (as addressed in the peer-reviewed journal article).
4. Discuss significant judicial responses and legal outcomes in the child protection system and how they relate to child protection professionals’ roles and responsibilities and permanency options.
5. Explore the services and potential volunteer and employment opportunities in child advocacy and child protection highlighted in the websites provided above.
   1. What do each of these agencies do? Explain their role in child protection and child advocacy.
   2. Describe some of the opportunities or positions that you would consider applying to in the future.
   3. What are the key qualifications that you need?
   4. What steps could you take to obtain the expected qualifications and experience?
   5. What do you like about these positions, and why did they stand out to you?

APA

Key Roles and Responsibilities of a Child Protection Professional or Child Advocate:

1. Assessing and Investigating: Conduct thorough assessments and investigations into allegations of child abuse, neglect, or exploitation. This involves gathering information from various sources, such as interviews with children, families, and other relevant individuals, and reviewing documentation.
2. Developing Safety Plans: Work with families to create and implement safety plans that address immediate concerns and outline steps to protect children from harm. This includes setting up temporary arrangements if necessary and monitoring progress.
3. Advocating for Children: Act as a voice for children in legal and social systems, ensuring their needs and perspectives are considered. This may involve representing children in court, facilitating communication between children and their families, and advocating for their best interests.
4. Collaborating with Agencies: Partner with other professionals and agencies, such as social services, law enforcement, schools, and healthcare providers, to coordinate care and support for children and families.
5. Providing Support and Resources: Offer emotional support, counseling, and resources to children and their families. This may involve connecting families with community resources, such as mental health services, housing assistance, and educational support.
6. Educating and Training: Provide training and education to other professionals, community members, and families about child protection issues, including