Family/Victim Advocacy 

The role of the Family/Victim Advocate is to provide onsite support and information during a child’s forensic interview and post appointment follow up. Post appointment follow up can be done via telephone, email, or in person visits. The Family/Victim Advocate is available to discuss the family’s needs, concerns and answer questions. It is the Family/Victim Advocate’s responsibility to help families by connecting them to needed resources. Family/Victim Advocate Services can include but are not limited to:

• Accessing medical services
• Accessing mental health services
• Assistance connecting with the County Attorney’s office Victim Advocate when/if charges are filed
• Assistance in completing the Crime Victim’s Compensation (CVC) application and act as a liaison with the CVC Board as needed
• Assistance in locating other support services through DCF including obtaining and completing applications (cash assistance, food stamps, Kancare, child care assistance)
• Safety information
• Assistance locating budgeting resources
• Coordinate services with other community agencies as needed
• Education resources for children and adults
• Assistance locating emergency assistance resources/options (utility/rent assistance, clothing, food, etc.)
• Assistance locating employment resources
• Assistance locating housing resources/options
• Assistance locating parenting resources
• Support at court hearings
• Support through investigative process

Contact our Family/Victim Advocate:

Amanda Sheaffer
785-537-6867
advocate@steppingstonescac.org 

*Adapted from The Sunflower House “Family Advocacy Services” handout