Field Guide to Family Advocacy
Developed by the West Virginia and Mississippi Chapters
Developed by the West Virginia Child Advocacy Network (WVCAN) and Children’s Advocacy Centers of Mississippi (CACM), with input from the field, the Field Guide to Family Advocacy was initially designed for newly hired family advocates to help orient them to their role within CACs. When it became apparent that the Field Guide could have national relevance, WVCAN and CACM partnered with SRCAC to enlist national experts to further enhance the existing material and create additional chapters.
The guide includes an introduction, case study, and ten sections covering the following topics:
- Section 1: History of the Victim Rights Movement
- Section 2: Overview of CAC & MDT Operations
- Section 3: Basics of Family Advocacy
- Section 4: Understanding Crisis, Trauma & Grief
- Section 5: The Importance of Understanding Cultural Differences
- Section 6: Building Relationships: Communication Skills
- Section 7: Family Assessments, Referrals, & Follow Up
- Section 8: Caring for Caregivers: Ensuring a Trauma-Informed, Family-Focused Approach
- Section 9: Investigation Process & Court Preparation
- Section 10: Addressing the Impact of the Work: Self Care for Advocates
The Field Guide covers a wide range of important information regarding roles and responsibilities with clients, colleagues, and MDT members. It is intended to serve both as a primary training resource and an ongoing reference for those working in victim services and CACs.
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