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Domestic Violence Court Volunteers
There are three types of volunteer options that are available for Domestic Violence (DV) Court.
They are:
The DV Court Volunteer Advocate Program
Practicum and Internship Opportunities
Guardians ad Litem Opportunities
For more information about volunteering as an advocate or GAL, contact Deanna Rhodes at (314) 615-4658 or e-mail St. Louis County Circuit Court
DV Court Volunteer Advocate Program:
After training in the dynamics of domestic violence and legal/court issues, volunteer advocates for the DV Court assist petitioners who are seeking Orders of Protection. Advocacy is provided to petitioners in court, in the filing office and through phone follow-up. Volunteer advocates help explain the filing and court process as well as provide support, information, safety planning and referrals. All volunteer opportunities are available Monday through Friday between 8am and 5pm. A Volunteer application must be submitted.
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Practicum and Internship Opportunities:
Practicum/internship opportunities will be customized to meet students' educational needs and career goals. Internships are available for bachelor's and master's level students in social work, law, gender studies, political science, communication, and related fields.
All opportunities are between 8am and 5pm Monday through Friday only. After training in the dynamics of domestic violence and legal/court issues related to seeking Orders of Protection, a DV Court internship could include the following:
- Advocate for petitioners in specialized DV Court dockets by providing support, legal information, safety planning and community referrals;
- Assist petitioners in filing for Orders of Protection;
- Work with petitioners whose Orders of Protection have been violated;
- Observe criminal domestic violence proceedings;
- Review, assess, and prepare cases for court;
- Engage in outreach efforts on behalf of the DV Court;
- Assist in the coordination and facilitation of training on domestic violence issues for attorneys, court staff, and volunteers;
- Follow up with petitioners by phone who have received advocacy in the filing office or court;
- Research best practices for court advocacy and DV Court programs.
Areas for skill development include (but are not limited to): crisis intervention, working with victims of domestic violence and trauma, working with individuals, navigating within and between systems and professions, community education, outreach and event coordination, legal information. A Volunteer application must be submitted.
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Volunteer Opportunities for Guardians ad Litem
DV Court Guardians ad Litem (attorneys who represent the best interest of children) assist DV Court judges in developing parenting plans for families in which an Order of Protection is entered. All volunteer GALs serve in court on Mondays, Thursdays and/or Fridays with a minimum commitment of one docket every other month. Volunteer GALs receive free, CLE-registered training in domestic violence. All DV Court GALs must meet the state GAL requirements (see www.mobar.org for more information) and be a registered GAL in St. Louis County.
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