Thank you for your interest in becoming a volunteer child advocate. As a volunteer child advocate, you will not only bring positive change to the lives of vulnerable children, but also generations to come. And in doing so, you will enrich your life as well.
No previous experience is necessary to become a volunteer child advocate. Child Advocates of SW Connecticut (CAC) provides extensive training, constant back-up support, and the power to positively influence the life of a young person.
The dates for the next volunteer training class have yet to be announced. The new dates will be listed here once they are finalized.
The first step to becoming a volunteer is to fill out the online Volunteer Application. Make sure to SUBMIT the completed online Volunteer Application (applications that are printed and mailed cannot be accepted). CAC will contact you after receipt and review of your application. Applicants may be invited for a personal interview. All applicants invited for a personal interview will be required to pass a Department of Children and Families (DCF) background check and will be contacted regarding submission of the DCF form. Additional national and state background checks will also be required.
Each CAC volunteer must successfully complete the comprehensive 35-hour pre-service training class (approximately 20 hours in-person plus 15 hours online). The curriculum is designed to inform volunteers about courtroom procedures, the dynamics of abuse and neglect, cultural differences, child development and effective advocacy techniques.
Volunteer Opportunities
For the online portion of the training class, Volunteers need a computer with high-speed internet connection, a current web browser, Adobe Reader version 9 or higher and Flash version 10 or higher.
Additionally, each CAC volunteer must complete 12 hours of in-service training each year. In-service training opportunities are provided for CAC volunteers either in-person or online.
Most importantly, each volunteer works one-on-one with a CAC staff Program Director for support.
Please see our Frequently Asked Questions if you have questions about the volunteer program!