1000 x 90

OASIS, Inc. Announces Judicial System Advocate Information Session; Seeking Advocates to Help Survivors

Aug. 20, 2013. OASIS, Inc. (Opposing Abuse with Service, Information and Shelter) is a private, nonprofit volunteer organization that has been serving victims of domestic violence and sexual assault in Watauga County since 1978.

OASIS is offering an information session for community members interested in becoming Judicial System Advocates (JSA). The JSA Information Meeting will be held on Thursday, Aug. 29, from 6-7:15 p.m. This meting is intended to give potential advocates an introduction to how and why our agency provides advocacy for for survivors moving through court processes. 

imgresDuring the information session the leader will explain the training requirements as well as agency expectations. JSAs work with clients engaged in the court system due to domestic violence or sexual assault, including civil court cases such as domestic violence protective orders and criminal cases in which our clients are the victims. Advocates provide emotional support to clients and their families, general information about the court system and referrals to community and legal resources.

JSAs are on call to accompany clients to the magistrate’s office or court when staff is not available to do so or to accompany staff when there is a large case load.

OASIS JSAs are expected to be professional, assertive, good listeners and have an empathetic understanding of survivors of domestic violence and sexual assault. JSAs cannot speak in court, provide legal advice or prepare legal documents. OASIS provides a minimum of nine hours of training, a manual and on-going supervision and supports to JSAs. 

Judicial System Advocates play a critical role in our mission to create a community free from domestic violence and sexual assault. JSAs commit to one day of advocacy each month for a minimum of one year. They are supervised by the Community Services Legal Coordinator. 

For more information or to reserve a space, please email Jeanie Futrelle at community@oasisinc.org, or call the office at 828-264-1532 by August 22, 2013.