2010 Pennsylvania Code
Title 42 - JUDICIARY AND JUDICIAL PROCEDURE
Chapter 59 - Depositions and Witnesses
5983 - Rights and services.

     § 5983.  Rights and services.
        (a)  Designation of persons to act on behalf of children.--
     Courts of common pleas may designate one or more persons as a
     child advocate to provide the following services on behalf of
     children who are involved in criminal proceedings as victims or
     material witnesses:
            (1)  To explain, in language understood by the child, all
        legal proceedings in which the child will be involved.
            (2)  As a friend of the court, to advise the judge,
        whenever appropriate, of the child's ability to understand
        and cooperate with any court proceedings.
            (3)  To assist or secure assistance for the child and the
        child's family in coping with the emotional impact of the
        crime and subsequent criminal proceedings in which the child
        is involved.
        (b)  Qualifications.--Persons designated under subsection (a)
     may be attorneys at law or other persons who, by virtue of
     service as rape crisis or domestic violence counselors or by
     virtue of membership in a community service organization or of
     other experience acceptable to the court, possess education,
     experience or training in child or sexual abuse and a basic
     understanding of the criminal justice system.

        Cross References.  Section 5983 is referred to in sections
     5984.1, 5985 of this title.