(a) Designation of persons to act on behalf of children.— When necessary to protect and promote the best interests of child witnesses, the department may designate one or more persons as a child advocate to accompany and provide the following services on behalf of children who are involved in proceedings before the department as material witnesses:
- (1) To explain, in language understood by the child, all legal proceedings in which the child will be involved.
- (2) To advise the department, when appropriate, of the child's ability to understand and cooperate with any proceedings.
- (3) To assist or secure assistance for the child and the child's family in coping with the emotional impact of the proceedings in which the child is involved.