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KidsVoice:
Protecting Children's Rights
Founded in 1908 as the Legal Aid Society of Pittsburgh, KidsVoice
provides the full-service advocacy that every abused, abandoned,
voiceless and vulnerable child deserves. Many of the children
KidsVoice represents, in addition to being neglected
or abused, must overcome significant physical and mental disabilities.
Their conditions range from developmental delays, neonatal
drug addiction and AIDS to severe brain damage, suicidal depression
and critical organ failure.
KidsVoice provides , and for children who otherwise cannot
speak for themselves. KidsVoice vigilantly guides each
child through the court process and ensures that every agency
involved meets the full range of the child’s needs. Through
in-depth investigation, KidsVoice delivers informed
recommendations and advocates in court for the child's best
interests –in court and beyond-- making a dramatic difference
in the lives of children, parents and the community at large.
KidsVoice ensures that the most appropriate services
are in place to protect children from future harm, with the
ultimate goal of providing a safe and permanent home for every
child.
Legal
Representation and More
Almost every child represented by KidsVoice lacks minimally
adequate or safe parenting. Many states, including Pennsylvania,
require the appointment of an attorney as a guardian ad
litem to advocate in court for the best interests of every
abused and neglected child. KidsVoice does that - and
much more.
KidsVoice
has established a new standard for child advocacy that expands
well beyond representation in court. It uses a new model of
advocacy - a multi-disciplinary approach - that provides comprehensive
services and takes full account of each child's physical and
emotional needs. KidsVoice teams attorneys with in-house
child advocacy specialists - experts in social work, mental
health, education, child development, case management and
substance abuse services. Through the staff's collective knowledge
on advocacy issues and nationwide experience representing
children, KidsVoice has developed a revolutionary approach
that delivers more effective representation. This new approach
is designed with specific protocols and outcome measures so
that the success of KidsVoice can be replicated across
the country by other child advocacy agencies.
The
Three Voices of Advocacy
KidsVoice provides , and for children who otherwise cannot
speak for themselves.
A
Voice of Hope . . .
Abused and neglected children have been denied far more than
legal rights. They lack self-esteem, dignity and often are
without even the basic sense of safety and security every
child should have at home. Many children believe that their
family situation is permanent and beyond their control. The
support of KidsVoice gives abused and neglected children
the hope that their lives can change for the better, with
the knowledge that:
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they
are not alone and that other children and families with
similar issues have found solutions; |
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they
are not responsible for their parents' actions; |
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there is someone who understands their situation and will
represent their interests and explain the proceedings.
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A
Voice for Rights . . .
Children are entitled to protection under the law, especially
children whose health and life may be in jeopardy due to conditions
in their own home. KidsVoice advocates not only for
individual children, but also on other levels to champion
the cause of children and protect every child's right to a
safe and permanent home.
KidsVoice
advocates for children:
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in all legal proceedings - protecting children's rights
in courts, school proceedings, and individual, class action
and appellate cases; |
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before
the legislature - lobbying and advocating to change laws
and secure adequate funding for children's issues; |
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in
the community - representing children's best interests
in the community to ensure that needs and rights of children
are heard and understood. |
A
Voice of Experience . . .
Children are unprepared to deal with the issues presented
in abuse and neglect cases. KidsVoice brings years
of experience in safeguarding the best interests of children,
including knowledge of:
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the signs of child abuse and neglect; |
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ways
to help family members; |
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the
importance of attachment and bonding; |
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the
significance of sibling and extended family connections; |
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the
dynamics of family violence; |
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the
appropriate placement and services to choose from among
mental health, educational, substance abuse and family
support services; |
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how
seemingly little things make a difference – like
having an appropriate pair of eyeglasses, and clothes
and shoes that fit. |
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