§ 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.
Notes of Decisions
M.G. v. L.D., Appeal of: C.B.D., 155 A.3d 1083 (Pa. Super. Ct. 2017).
· cites it 4× “’s child advocate in the PFA action against Mother, and ostensibly retained pursuant to 42 Pa.C.S. § 5983, which provides for the appointment of advocates for children who are victims or material witnesses in criminal proceeding.”
V.S. v. Dep't of Pub. Welfare, 131 A.3d 523 (Pa. Commw. Ct. 2015).
“42 Pa.C.S. § 5983(a). "Minor" is defined in this subsection of the Judicial Code as ”[a]n individual who, at the time of the commission of the offense invplving sexual or physical abuse, is under 18' years of age.”
M.G. v. L.D., Appeal of: B.D. (Pa. Super. Ct. 2016).
· cites it 2× “’s child advocate in the PFA action against Mother, and ostensibly retained pursuant to 42 Pa.C.S. § 5983, which - 25 - J-A08005-16 J-A08006-16 provides for the appointment of advocates for children who are victims or material witnesses in criminal proceeding.”
V.S. v. Dpw (Pa. Commw. Ct. 2015).
“42 Pa.C.S. § 5983(a). “Minor” is defined in this subsection of the Judicial Code as “[a]n individual who, at the time of the commission of the offense involving sexual or physical abuse, is under 18 years of age.”
— 42 Pa. Cons. Stat. § 5983(a) — 2 cases
V.S. v. Dep't of Pub. Welfare, 131 A.3d 523 (Pa. Commw. Ct. 2015).
“42 Pa.C.S. § 5983(a). "Minor" is defined in this subsection of the Judicial Code as ”[a]n individual who, at the time of the commission of the offense invplving sexual or physical abuse, is under 18' years of age.”
V.S. v. Dpw (Pa. Commw. Ct. 2015).
“42 Pa.C.S. § 5983(a). “Minor” is defined in this subsection of the Judicial Code as “[a]n individual who, at the time of the commission of the offense involving sexual or physical abuse, is under 18 years of age.”
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