Section 5983 - Rights and services(a) Designation of persons to act on behalf of childrenCourts 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) QualificationsPersons 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. 1986, Feb. 21, P.L. 41, No. 14, § 1, effective in 60 days.