Child Advocacy Studies Training Certificate - Embedded

The Child Advocacy Studies Training (CAST) Certificate program is an academic program that focuses on developing students’ understanding of the various factors that lead to child maltreatment, and of various existing responses to incidents of child maltreatment, in order that they may work more effectively within various systems and institutions that respond to these incidents. Students will learn about the various disciplinary responses to child maltreatment, and will develop a multi-disciplinary understanding of the most effective responses. Students completing the courses in this certificate will be better equipped to carry out the work of various agencies and systems (health care, criminal justice, social services) as they advocate on behalf of the needs of children as victims and survivors of child abuse. The focus of the Child Advocacy Studies curriculum is on experiential, interdisciplinary, ethical and culturally sensitive content that would provide professionals working with children a common knowledge base for responding to child maltreatment. Students who complete all four courses in the discipline will receive a certificate in Child Advocacy Training Studies (CAST).

Students may apply to the certificate program at any point throughout the academic year. Admission requirements for the graduate certificate include: Completion of 30 hours in the MSW program; minimum GPA of 3.0 in all MSW coursework (including field placements); statement regarding interest in certificate and proposed career goals; two reference letters (either academic or related work/internship experience); and completed fingerprint/background check (fee assumed by student).