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Volunteer Opportunities

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 guidance and support, and the power to positively influence the life of a young person.

New Volunteer Information Sessions:

Come learn more about CAC and our volunteer opportunities! These are very informal opportunities to hear from CAC staff about the role of volunteer advocates, and the process for applying.

Please register at the links below.

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Monday, September 18th, 10am - 11am

https://us06web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZMlfuCqrT8vG9aHOzHGUGVq-wTL_zhSwuFY

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Wednesday, September 20th, 6pm - 7pm

https://us06web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZcucu2vqT0iHtO99n7xYba4SZCXxAEcu-gF

The next volunteer training will be held in early-mid November 2023!  The exact dates TBD.

Steps to becoming a volunteer:

  1. Fill out the online Volunteer Application - click here. Make sure to SUBMIT the completed online Volunteer Application (applications that are printed and mailed cannot be accepted).  

  2. CAC will contact you after receipt and review of your application.  

  3. Applicants may be invited for a personal interview, where we have the chance to learn more about you, and you have the chance to ask lots of questions and learn more about the opportunity.

  4. 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.

Training Requirements and Expectations:

  • 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, effective advocacy techniques, and much more.

  • Volunteers need a computer with Microsoft Word - for the online portion of training, need high-speed internet, 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 includes opportunities provided by CAC as well as other resources and learning. In-service trainings will be offered both via Zoom and in-person.

  • All CAC volunteers are assigned a CAC staff Program Director who will supervise, support, and guide you as a volunteer. Regular communication with your Program Director is required (weekly or bi-monthly).

 

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Please see our Frequently Asked Questions if you have questions about the volunteer program, or call the CAC office at 203-642-7020.

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