DESCRIPTION OF ADVOCACY SERVICES

ADVOCACY - means speaking on your behalf. We are here to help you contact agencies, government offices, representatives, and other people after evaluating your circumstances with you. We are pleased to provide advocacy services; however, there may be limits to some situations, as will be determined by the Director of Advocacy, and the Director of SOS. We want to help as much as possible and are willing to sit down with you to plan your steps to a peaceful life. Remember, advocates are not attorneys. You may need legal advice which may ONLY be available from an attorney.

Court Information - We will provide information on the procedures in Family Court, Criminal Court, Appellate Court, and Supreme Court, Restitution, Appeals, Sentencing and your crime victim rights are by law.
Court Accompaniment - We will go with you to Family Court hearings, and Criminal Court appearances as allowed by law and permitted by Advocate’s schedule. You will have to already be a client at our office, and accompaniment will have to be arranged in advance with the Advocate. Transportation will be provided as available. We will go with you to family court hearings, domestic violence court hearings and criminal court hearings.
Court Notification - We will request information on case status, attorney assignment, and issuance of orders through ongoing communication with the courts.
Petitions - We will discuss with you the information pertinent to filing Family Court petitions for Custody, Visitation, Order of Protection, Spousal Support, Modifications, and Violations.
Lawyer - We will discuss what can be reasonably expected from your attorney. We will accompany you to your appointment with your lawyer, if approved by the lawyer. We will provide information to your lawyer regarding your court history, abuse history, or cycle of violence if you desire.
Legal Information - We will give information on other legal issues stemming from Domestic Violence: Divorce and Separation (limited information), Contracts, Debts, Landlord/Tenant, Utility Rights, Minor Rights, etc.
Police Advocacy - We will accompany you and provide transportation (as available) and advocacy with the police departments for criminal charges vs. abuser for acts of Domestic Violence committed vs. client, police report copies, and status of arrest: We will also assist in arranging a police escort to get your personal belongings from the home. We will assist with warrant situations and safety situations.
Prosecutor Advocacy - We will communicate with the District Attorney assigned to prosecute your case. We will request that your views are heard, that appropriate orders are issued, and restitution and notification are provided.
Parole - We will advocate with the Division of Parole for victim's rights notification about release from prison, and conditions of parole to assist with your safety. We will advocate if a violation occurs and accompany to hearings as able.
Compensation Claims - We will provide claim assistance with New York State Crime Victim's Board for unreimbursed medical bills, counseling fees, shelter costs, transportation to court, replacement/repair of essential personal property, etc.
Domestic Violence Court- SOS Shelter advocates are located at the City of Binghamton Family Court to assist victims of domestic violence to obtain orders of protection and custody of children.
Integrated Domestic Violence Court - SOS Shelter advocates accompany domestic violence victims to court where the judge addresses both criminal issues and family court issues all in one integrated court.

SOCIAL SERVICES

Application Assistance - We will provide you with DSS applications, and help you complete and understand them and other required paperwork.

We will advocate with DSS for you on these issues: furniture, security deposit, moving expense, opening a public assistance case, food stamps, expedited food stamps, reporting child abuse, and we will give you an idea of your public assistance budget, if these things apply to your case. You must have an open case with us.

We will accompany clients to DSS and provide transportation as available and as arranged in advance with an Advocate.

OTHER AREAS OF ADVOCACY INCLUDE:

Requests for furniture, police and medical records, emergency food, money for relocation, and money for back utility bills, (as available).

Specific information is provided regarding subsidized housing, landlord/tenant issues, how to find apartments, household budgets, bus routes, utility hook-up.

OTHER SERVICES AT THE ADVOCACY OFFICE INCLUDE:

Discussing your situation with your employer for a temporary leave, information about subsidized child care/referrals, information about the cycle of violence, safety information, mediation, Child Protective Services, other financial assistance programs and counseling referrals.

COUNSELING:

Short term counseling is available to focus on issues relating to Domestic Violence. Referrals to community mental health providers and programs are available upon request.

CALL TO PROTECT PROGRAM:

We provide clients with a free cellular phone that is programmed for 911 emergencies. Please donate your used cell phone to SOS Shelter. You can also create a cell phone drive at your school, church, club or work place. For further information, call at 748-5174.