For the Child, a Long Beach-based nonprofit, is seeking volunteers for its Child Abuse Response Team (CART), which accompanies Long Beach, Torrance and San Pedro children and their families through the child’s forensic medical exams in cases of suspected sexual assault or molestation.

CART volunteers are on-call in four day shifts during either the daytime or evening, ready to respond when law enforcement activates the team, according to For the Children.

Volunteers must have their own form of transportation and be able to respond within one hour of being called.

“As the child’s advocate, CART members meet the victim at the hospital and provide companionship during their visit by playing games, reading books, doing puzzles or other activities and helping them understand the process,” For the Child said in a statement. “CART members help the parents cope with what has happened and provide information for the family about the treatment services offered by For The Child for both the child and the parent(s).”

Volunteer candidates must attend 40 hours of training provided by For the Child. The training, which begins February 10 from 6:00PM to 9:00PM, includes shadowing an experienced CART team advocate on a minumum of two calls. Interviews, screenings and reference checks will also be part of the process.

Those interested in volunteering can contact Chris Gutierrez by calling 562-422-8472 or emailing [email protected]. A volunteer application is also available by clicking here.