Building Stronger Advocacy: Essential Resources for Adults Working with Children
Are you an individual who works with children either in the traditional school setting or outside of it? Maybe you’re a dedicated nanny, camp counselor or a youth sports coach in your community.
If you work with children – academic or not, you still play a crucial role in shaping the lives and well-being of young people.
While your role may-or-may not directly involve academics, it does have a profound impact on children’s social, emotional, and developmental growth. This is why understanding child advocacy, safety, and well-being is just as important for you as it is for teachers and anyone else in close contact with youth and children.
So, let’s explore some educational tools and resources that you can use to develop your understanding of child advocacy!
WHY EDUCATION ON CHILD ADVOCACY MATTERS
Children who are seen by adults in school (and extracurricular activities or day programs) often feel comfortable opening up about their lives and challenges in ways they might not be in other settings. This gives you a unique opportunity to detect early signs of distress or potential harm. As a trusted adult, you can also offer guidance and support.
However, without the proper knowledge and resources, you may struggle with knowing where to start. With the right training, you will be equipped to advocate for the children in your care and provide them with a safe and supportive environment.
EDUCATIONAL RESOURCES
There are many resources available to help you deepen your understanding of child advocacy and improve your own ability to support children. These resources can range from formal certifications to free online materials, offering flexibility based on your time and learning preferences.
Some valuable options to explore:
Darkness to Light: Educational programs such as Darkness to Light offer trainings tailored to teach adults practical actions they can take to reduce instances of child sexual abuse in their organizations. These trainings feature powerful videos paired with robust facilitated discussions led by instructors who have been rigorously trained. Life Stories is proud to offer this preventative program to our community for free. Learn more about Stewards of Children® – Darkness to Light
The National Child Traumatic Stress Network: The National Child Traumatic Stress Network (NCTSN) is an online library of articles, videos and studies on child trauma. Their website has a wide range of printable resources that cover topics such as bullying, neglect/abuse and more. If you’d like to learn about how trauma affects children, browse through the NCTSN website and consider sharing articles with your team members and the parents that you work with. Learn more about The National Child Traumatic Stress Network
CO4Kids: “If not you, then who?” The Colorado Child Abuse and Neglect Hotline (844-CO-4-Kids) is designed to provide one easy-to-remember toll-free phone number for individuals statewide to report suspected child abuse and neglect. All calls through the hotline system are kept confidential and recorded for quality assurance. Colorado state law outlines that a mandated reporter reports child abuse and/or neglect. To verify that you are a mandatory reporter it is recommended to consult with your employer. If you have not already, make sure to take the CO4Kids free online training for mandatory reporters to learn more about child abuse and neglect. Learn more about CO4Kids
The Colorado Child Abuse and Neglect Hotline (844-CO-4-Kids)
COMMUNITY RESOURCES
Do you personally know a parent who is struggling or who needs extra support for their child? There is assistance available and having access to it might be easier than you think. Take a look at the following resources available to the public of Weld County.
Sexual Assault Victim Advocates (SAVA): SAVA is a nonprofit dedicated to helping survivors of sexual assault. They have three locations – in Greeley, Loveland and Fort Collins. Anyone needing support can visit their offices during work hours or utilize the SAVA 24/7-Hour Rape Crisis Hotline. Along with advocacy services, they offer therapy, support groups and legal resources. Learn more about Sexual Assault Victim Advocate Center
Weld County Legal Services: If you know anyone who needs legal resources, Weld County Legal Services is dedicated to providing free or low-cost attorney assistance to the public. They also hold public or virtual events where anyone can speak to a lawyer for free for 15-20 minutes. Learn more about Weld County Legal Services
A Woman’s Place: A Women’s Place empowers survivors of domestic abuse. If someone needs help, they can reach out to receive it without judgement or pressure. Additional services include safety planning, shelter, and victim advocacy. Learn more about A Woman’s Place
United Way of Weld County: The United Way 2-1-1 Colorado phone number is a confidential and multilingual service connecting people to vital resources across the state. The 211-call center provides help and referrals for needs ranging from food, transportation assistance to substance abuse, and even mental health. Learn more about United Way of Weld County or call 211.
Make a Difference with the Right Tools
Working with children is a tremendous responsibility, and you have the power to make a lasting impact on their lives.
By taking the time to educate yourself on child advocacy, you’ll be equipped to create a safer, more supportive environment for the children you serve. The right resources are out there to help you succeed, and investing in your own education is an investment in the future of every child you work with.
Ready to start your journey toward becoming a more informed and empowered advocate? Reach out to organizations like Life Stories Child and Family Advocacy for more information on educational opportunities and begin your training today!
— Respectfully submitted by Elizavet Carranza Arroyo, Family Advocate, Life Stories Child & Family Advocacy