Children need protection of advocates
by Julia Mims, reporter

    Every three minutes a child is reported abused or neglected in Texas. In 1998 alone, Texas had 29,766 confirmed victims of child abuse and neglect.

    This huge number might rattle through the brain, but each of the numbers has a face and name. However, by becoming a Child Advocates volunteer, one becomes the voice for a child who needs help speaking.

    The court appoints volunteers to specific cases dealing with children who have been abused or neglected. They become the eyes and ears of the judge. New recruits must be at least 21 and go through the proper training to understand the importance of the job they will be undertaking.

    Child Advocates is about speaking up for a child’s welfare. It is hard for children to find their voice when they are the victims of abuse and neglect. Volunteers become their voice. A volunteer’s place in this organization is one of great importance.

    Candace McNabb, a counselor and former Child Advocates volunteer, said she searched for a program to devote some time to. Wanting to give something back to the community, she joined Child Advocates of Tarrant County.

    McNabb said that it is a good program and an important commitment to make.

    As a volunteer, an individual becomes a significant part of a child’s life, which does make it difficult at the end, but the advocate really has the child’s best interest in mind, she said.

    Volunteers are appointed to observe the child with his/her family twice a month or more if the advocate has the time. Also, volunteers must attend the child’s court hearings, up to four times during the year.

    Volunteers make a commitment of one year to the child and his/her family.

    At the end of the year, they provide a written recommendation to the judge and give an opinion on the child’s placement, suggesting whether the child should go back home or Child Protective Services should intervene.

    Child Advocates of Tarrant County has scheduled new volunteer orientations for Wednesday, Feb. 7, at noon and Saturday, Feb. 24, at 10 a.m.

    Anyone interested can select which session to attend. During the session, new volunteers will learn more about becoming a court-appointed child advocate.

    For more information, call 1-817-877-KIDS (5437).