Contact: Erica Shawan, Lane County Kids’ FIRST Coordinator, 541-682-8749

Kids’ FIRST is looking for individuals with a wide range of talent and life experiences to provide support, advocacy, and education to child victims of abuse and their non-offending caregivers.

This is an opportunity to learn, grow as mentors, and make an important difference in the life of a child.

What’s involved?

Volunteers will receive comprehensive training to provide direct service for children and families; and work with police, child protection and the District Attorney’s Office. 

Requirements:

·         Must be at least 18 years old

·         Subject to a criminal background check 

·         Commitment of 8 hours per week during normal work hours for one year

The Kids' FIRST Center is funded solely by grants and private donations. Accordingly, the Center relies heavily volunteers to provide direct services to victims. Volunteers advocate for child victims and their non-offending family members, providing them with referrals to community agencies to meet their legal, financial, physical and mental health needs. Volunteers inform and educate families about the criminal justice process, provide case management and keep families updated on the status of their cases. Volunteers also provide childcare for parents and guardians attending the Center's education and support group, perform data entry and statistical analysis, and offer office and clerical support.

Community members interested in getting involved and volunteering with Kids’ FIRST may contact Erica Shawan at 541-682-8749 for more information. Information is also available at www.lanecounty.org/kidsFIRST

About Kids’ FIRST
Kids’ Forensic Intervention Response and Support Team Center (Kids’ FIRST) is a child advocacy center that serves both children and families in Lane County. The center is accredited by the National Children’s Alliance

The mission of Kids’ FIRST is to help lessen the trauma experienced by children suspected of physical and/or sexual abuse who are going through an investigative or judicial process. The Kids’ FIRST team accomplishes this by providing a child-focused setting where they can receive needed services.

Each year, Kids’ FIRST serves approximately 700 Lane County children and their families.  

Amber Fossen

Public Information Officer

Lane County Government

125 E. Eighth Ave.

Eugene, Oregon 97401

541.682.3718

541.359.9143 (cell)