Children at risk of needing services are often referred to as “children from hard places” or those who have experienced adverse childhood experiences (ACEs). These children have faced difficult circumstances early in life, such as abuse, neglect, or household dysfunction, which significantly impact their development and well-being. Every child we serve in the child welfare system is a child from a “hard place,” facing complex challenges that require comprehensive support. As our volunteer advocacy efforts have expanded to include children and youth involved in the juvenile justice and truancy systems, we have observed that they encounter many of the same struggles and circumstances. These children and families share common social challenges, unmet needs, and a lack of resources, which compound their difficulties and create seemingly insurmountable obstacles.

While the child welfare system provides some scaffolding of support for parents, foster families, and kinship placements, the youth and families involved in the juvenile justice and truancy systems often lack such support. They face higher instances of food insecurity and poverty, leaving them isolated and unaware of available help. Families are often lost and unsure of how to find and access the resources they need. It is crucial to identify who can help and where these families can find someone to lend a hand and lift them up, ensuring that all children, regardless of their circumstances, receive the support they need to thrive.

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100% of the children served by volunteer Advocates are children and youth from “hard places.”

Advocates provide valuable information and assistance to help ensure a child’s best interest is met. 

CHILD WELFARE ADVOCACY: Court Appointed Special Advocates^® (CASA) supporting children in foster care whose families are involved in the child welfare system

JUSTICE-INVOLVED YOUTH ADVOCACY: Court Appointed Special Advocates^® (CASA) supporting youth involved in the juvenile justice system

EDUCATIONAL ADVOCACY (Truancy Prevention): Volunteer Advocates supporting youth struggling with school attendance or participation

Advocates stay by a child’s side and remain a consistent presence throughout each case.

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Child Advocates of Montgomery County’s Community Education Division focuses on prevention services by providing training and resources to various groups, including schools, government agencies, businesses, and nonprofit organizations. This training covers crucial topics such as “Understanding Children from Hard Places and Trust-Based Relational Intervention® (TBRI®)” and “Child Trafficking and Exploitation Prevention.” These programs aim to equip community members with the knowledge and tools needed to support vulnerable children.

The Educational Advocacy Division offers prevention services through the efforts of Student Success Advocates (SSAs). SSAs are designated by schools or chosen by parents to assist youth who are facing challenges with school attendance or participation. By providing targeted support, SSAs help students overcome barriers to their education, ensuring they have the opportunity to succeed academically and personally. This division plays a vital role in addressing the educational needs of at-risk youth and fostering a supportive environment for their growth and development.

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