Clients Rights:

The client has the right to access his/her file with a written request during business hours. Copies can be provided to the client and originals remain the property of Tribal Victims Advocate Services. Only documents generated by the client may be released to the client (i.e., Legal Aid narratives, client rights form, etc.).

Tribal Victims Advocate Services respects all human, civil, constitutional, and statutory rights of each client. These rights include, but are not limited to the following:

1. Availability of services to all without any regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, gender status, marital status, family status, physical handicap, mental handicap, or national origin.

2. Services which include recognition and preservation of the human dignity of each client.

3. Services that are individualized to meet the needs of the client.

4. Confidentiality of all client information.

5. The right to discontinue services without question at any point in time and return for services (if eligible) at any point in the future.

6. Notification of rights in writing and the right to have them personally explained.

7. Services provided regardless of financial status.

8. Freedom from methods of special observation (audio or video taping, photographing, etc.) without the clients prior consent.

9. The right to address grievances directly with Tribal Victims Advocate Services staff.

10. Any other rights established by law.

11. To be treated with unconditionally positive regard by all Tribal Victims Advocate Services staff.

What can an advocate do?

An advocate educates, supports, and provides services and referrals for victims of domestic violence, sexual assault, stalking, child abuse/neglect and bullying.

What can an advocate NOT do?

An advocate cannot provide services beyond their professional abilities and competencies. An advocate cannot provide a client with legal advice, counseling/therapy, etc. Advocates cannot discriminate against race, ethnicity, sex, religion, age, veteran status, disability, or sexual orientation. An advocate cannot aid an individual with an act that violates State or Federal laws and/or puts their safety or the safety of others in jeopardy. An advocate cannot provide services to clients who do not fall under the guidelines of Tribal Victims Advocate Servicer’s Grantors.

What can I expect from my Advocate?

The Advocate assigned to your case is here to support you through the initial intake process as well as throughout the duration of the case. Some of the common services an Advocate provides are:

1. Crisis assessment and intervention, risk assessment and safety planning and support for children and family members at all stages of involvement with the Child Advocacy Center (CAC).

2. Assessment of individual needs and cultural considerations for the child and family to ensure those needs are addressed.

3. Presence during the C.A.R.E.S Intake Assessment in order to participate in information sharing; inform and support the family; inform them about the coordinated C.A.R.E.S Staffing Team response and assess the needs of the child and non-offending caregiver.

4. Provision of education and access to victims; rights and crime victims compensation.

5. Assistance in procuring concrete services including protective orders, domestic violence intervention, food, transportation and public assistance.

6. Provision of referrals for specialized, trauma focused, evidence-supported mental health and medical treatment.

7. Access to transportation to interviews, court, treatment and other case related meetings.

8. Engagement in child and family response regarding participation in the investigation and/or prosecution.

9. Participation in case review in order to discuss the unique needs of the child and family and plan associated support services, ensure seamless coordination of services, ensure the child and families concerns are heard and addressed.

10. Provision of updates to the family on case status, continuances, dispositions, sentencing and inmate status notification.

11. Provision of court education and courthouse/courtroom tours, support and accompaniment.

12. Coordinated case management meetings with all individuals providing victim advocacy services.