§ 592 — Rights and services

(a) Designation of persons to act on behalf of children.--When necessary to protect and promote the best interests of child witnesses, the department may designate one or more persons as a child advocate to accompany and provide the following services on behalf of children who are involved in proceedings before the department as material witnesses:

(1) To explain, in language understood by the child, all legal proceedings in which the child will be involved.

(2) To advise the department, when appropriate, of the child's ability to understand and cooperate with any proceedings.

(3) To assist or secure assistance for the child and the child's family in coping with the emotional impact of the proceedings in which the child is involved.

(b) Qualifications.--Persons designated under subsection (a) may be attorneys at law or other persons who, by virtue of service as rape crisis or domestic violence counselors or by virtue of membership in a community service organization or of other experience acceptable to the department, possess education, experience or training in counseling for victims of child abuse or sexual abuse or exploitation.