advocacy letter for Catherine Owens

ADVOCATING FOR THE CHILD WITHIN

For most of us, the topic of child advocacy has an emotional resonance; we can remember situations from our own childhoods when our voices were not heard, when we were treated unfairly, when our very real problems were ignored or trivialized.

For this paper, consider how you, as an adult, might advocate for the child that you were. Choose one specific situation from your own childhood in which an advocate would have been useful to you. Do not feel that the issue involved need have been earth shaking or part of a long-term problem – although it certainly may be either or both.

After you have described the situation, carefully analyze not only the advocacy that was available, but also your ideas for advocacy that might have improved the situation. Discuss issues of advocacy style. Consider the issues that are unique to advocating for children. Keep in mind the class discussion of the advocacy triangle, as well the distinctions between case and class, between protective and participatory.

You MUST describe additional advocacy possibilities beyond those that actually occurred. Be sure to use your advocacy triangle to avoid wishful thinking and focus on how to help targets make changes

Please do not hesitate to think creatively with regard to strategies, tactics and solutions. The assignment in and of itself requires an imaginative leap. However, it is essential that you use the information we have read and discussed in class.

This paper should be at least three pages in length. There is no maximum length.

This essay topic has been found by some students to be healing and empowering, as well as very emotional. Please be assured that anything you write will be kept absolutely and completely confidential. For this paper only, you may also have the option of not receiving any comments on the specifics of the paper. If that is your choice, I will simply give you a grade and a general comment.

In addition to asking questions on our discussion boards, please feel free to contact me and, if you would like, arrange to meet with me if you have any personal concerns, questions or issues regarding this paper.