Child Advocacy Program (CAP)
WHAT WE DO:
The Child Advocacy Program (CAP) is a program within the Mental Health Advocacy Service. CAP attorneys represent abused and neglected children who have been removed from their homes and/or families and are in the custody of the State through the Department of Children and Family Services (DCFS). They also represent children who may not have been removed from their families, but who are part of a Family Services case.
CAP Connections
Many children enter foster care in one jurisdiction but are placed in another jurisdiction. CAP’s network of offices located across the state make it possible to maintain continuous contact with a child; CAP staff where the child is placed stay in contact with the child. Working relationships between staff in different offices are fostered by bi-monthly statewide staff meetings. There is constant telephone communication between offices for case consultations, sharing information, and coordinating efforts. CAP also works very closely with the Department of Children and Family Services (DCFS), Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA) and other state agencies that are involved in their clients’ lives.