The Child Advocacy Program has hired Ilka Figueroa, a spanish speaking family advocate.

She graduated from Argosy University in June 2014 with a master’s degree in forensic psychology and has a bachelor’s degree from Kaplan University in legal studies.

Prior to working for the Child Advocacy Program, Figueroa worked as a Spanish-speaking advocate for victims of domestic violence and rape at the Chautauqua County District Attorney’s Office.

She grew up in the lower east side of Manhattan and lived in Sebastian, Puerto Rico, for many years as well. She attended her first year of college at the Universidad de Puerto Rico in Aguadilla, Puerto Rico.

Figueroa also serves as an interpreter for both the North County CAP office at 40 E. Main St., Fredonia, and South County CAP office at 405 W. Third St., Jamestown.

CAP provides services to non-offending caregivers of children referred to CAP. A family advocate will meet with the non-offending caregiver while their child is being interviewed or in counseling.

Some services provided by the Family Advocate may include emotional support, crisis intervention. referrals for counseling or any other services needed (i.e. domestic violence shelters, parenting classes, restraining orders, housing, etc.), information about victim rights and compensation, information about the child protection and criminal justice systems, education about age-appropriate sexual behavior and follow-up support and help as needed.

For more information, call CAP at 338-9844