Give a Child a Voice

We are the top provider of Dispute Resolution and Advocacy Serves in the Mohawk Valley, with programs that use over 400 trained volunteers.



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	Our advocates believe that all children deserve a safe, loving, and permanent home.
	The Peacemaker Program has two child-advocacy services- Court Appointed Special Advocate^® (CASA^®) program and Child Custody Advocate Program (CCAP). Both programs rely on highly-trained volunteers who are appointed by a family court judge in Oneida and Herkimer counties to speak up for children in court.

The Role of a CASA^®

The CASA^® serves an advocate for abused and neglected foster children in court. The volunteer talks with the child, parents, family, relevant agencies, school officials, health providers and others who are knowledgeable about the child's history. CASA^® volunteers also speak with involved attorneys and case workers.

The CASA^® volunteer then reviews all of the child’s records and provides the judge with a report on their findings. With the information provided by the CASA^®, judges are better able to make informed decisions as to what is best for the child such as; returning to their parents, foster care, or adoption.

Research shows that children who have been assigned a CASA^® tend to spend less time in court and the foster care system, than those who do not have CASA^® representation.


	The Role of CCAP
	Child Custody Advocate Program volunteers assist children caught in the middle of difficult custody disputes. The CCAP volunteer does this by looking into the background and current family situation for each child. The advocate then provides the court with a carefully researched write up of the case, which assists the court in making informed decisions concerning the child’s custody and visitation. Children served by CCAP have a better chance at a positive relationship with their parents.

Advocates make a difference to children,

like 8-year-old “Kelly”.

One snowy night in January, Kelly hid in her closet, while her step-father hurled insults and fists at her terrified mother. Kelly heard every word, and flinched with every blow. She knew she was next.

The police came when neighbors called about the commotion at the broken down house on the hill. A caseworker told Kelly, “Grab some clothes and get the car outside- we’ll take you somewhere to stay”. With a backpack of clothes and the blustery wind at her back, Kelly left her home... and her mother. Along with this, Kelly left behind her school, her friends and the only life she knew.

Cindy, a CASA volunteer, was assigned by a Judge to speak up for Kelly- six months later, when no progress had been made on her case. Cindy found that Kelly’s bedroom door at home had a large 5” by 5” hole through it. Kelly said her stepfather made it when she would not unlock the door or come out and wash the dishes.

Kelly wasn’t doing well in foster care. She sobbed for hours after every visit with her mother. She didn’t make friends at her new school. Her stomach ached from worry for her mom’s safety. Cindy helped Kelly’s mom find the help that she needed to leave the abusive relationship and make positive changes in her life.

Kelly needed her mom and she needed ‘home’. CASA volunteer Cindy would voice to anyone that would listen that this mother was ready to have her daughter home and that Kelly was suffering by being away from her. Kelly and her mom were reunited thanks to the voice of the advocate for Kelly.

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The Peacemaker Program, Inc.
270 Genesee St. Utica, NY 13502
tel 315.724.1718
fax 315.724.1375

email: info@ThePeacemakerProgram.org
www.ThePeacemakerProgram.org

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The Mission of The Peacemaker Program, Inc. is to offer inclusive, innovative approaches to resolve conflict and achieve positive outcomes for children, families and the community.