My decision to pursue a
Master of Science Degree in Early Childhood Studies with a specialization in
Public Policy and Advocacy was fueled by my previous career as a Counselor and
Advocate for victims of crime. Within this career I provided counseling and advocacy
services to children and adults who were direct or indirect victims of sexual
assault crimes. The experienced received from this career combined with the
impressionable relationships created between myself and my clients,
specifically those who were under the age of eighteen years old, increased my
interest and passion to become an advocate for children in need. My ultimate
goal after the completion of my Master’s Degree was to become employed as an
Advocate for adopted and foster care children. Ironically enough with seven
classes completed and three classes remaining, I was offered a position as a
Family Services Specialties with the Delaware Division of Family Services,
which I am scheduled to begin November 5, 2012.
Advocates are essential
within the Early Childhood Field to serve as protection and support for
children while advocating for and protecting children’s human rights. Ideally I
would love to believe that every child has at least one person who is capable
and assumes the responsibility of protecting that child and advocating for the
child’s safety and well-being. In a
perfect world these conditions will rein true, but reality is many children are
in need of a responsible adult who is capable and willing to protect and
advocate for the child’s human rights, safety, and well-being. Whether that
individual is the child’s immediate family, extended family, teacher, or child
social service professional; the individual should be thoroughly aware of the
child’s needs and be committed to servicing those needs while being the child’s
advocate. Children are precious individuals who at times may experience lack of
acknowledgment and respect for their feeling, thoughts, and opinions from
adults who lack education regarding child development and issues effecting
children. Advocates can serve as a child’s primary voice when children are not
heard and acknowledged within our society.
With regard to public policy and advocacy I hope to: (1)
Increase my knowledge and awareness of public policies currently affecting
children (2) Become knowledgeable with regard to advocacy groups established to
address policies and issues affecting children (3) Develop an understanding of
specific skills essential in becoming an effective Early Childhood Advocate.
Tinisha,
ReplyDeleteI like what you said about understading the "Specific Skills" in regards to being an advocator. Advocating is a learned skill and passion can be a driving force when a specific situation is personal. However often being passionate is not enough one needs to acquire effective communciation skills and the steps to take in order to reach the most people that are in need of your resources.
Tinisha,
ReplyDeleteI really enjoyed reading your post and admire your passion for this advocacy. Like you I also want to increase my knowledge of public policy regarding children. And become more knowledgeable with advocacy groups. I think it is important to make these steps now while we are still learning, and to continue learning more about policy and advocacy as we advance in our careers.
Good post
Anna
Tinisha,
ReplyDeleteI enjoyed reading your post. I am a foster child that was raised by my adopted family since I was three months. I also want to reach back to foster families and also foster children. I would also one day desire to become a foster parent. Thanks for you contributions to foster families.
Hi Tinisha,
ReplyDeleteI like the sentence that says “children are precious individuals who at times may experience lack of acknowledgment and respect for their feelings, thoughts, and opinions from adults who lack education regarding child development and issues affecting children”. Sometimes children will like someone else to hear them but they often act as if they want to connect to what they are feeling that is the exact time the adult in their lives need to pay close attention. Parents need to be clear about the values they set for their children because the children are learning and watching what they do. Thanks, that was a good write up.