What is the difference between a guardian and an advocate?

A guardian and an advocate have very different roles when it comes to a child’s needs. A guardian provides legal representation for a child in legal matters, such as if the child is a victim of a crime, or is part of a custody dispute. Guardians must be certified and may be appointed by the court or the child’s parents. A guardian is responsible for protecting the child’s legal rights, and representing their best interests in legal matters. An advocate is someone appointed to represent a child in other areas of their life, such as healthcare, education, and social welfare. An advocate is not appointed by a court and is usually chosen by the child and/or their parents. They may be a lawyer, social worker, or another professional who helps the child and their family in navigating their rights and accessing services that benefit the child. In Washington, a Child Advocacy Law ensures that advocates are available for the benefit of children and their families. An advocate’s role is to support the child and their family in their personal, educational, or legal matters, and to ensure that their best interests are taken into consideration.

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