Child Advocacy Studies Minor

Program Overview

The Child Advocacy Studies (CAST) minor provides students with a comprehensive understanding of child advocacy, focusing on the needs of traumatized children. The program covers ethical and legal aspects, trauma types, and best practices for working with traumatized children. Graduates are prepared for careers in child welfare, mental health, education, and other fields where they will advocate for children who have experienced trauma.

Program Outline

Outline:

• Child Advocacy Studies Minor Overview: The Child Advocacy Studies (CAST) minor is an interdisciplinary program designed to provide students with a comprehensive understanding of the field of child advocacy.
The program focuses on the needs of children and youth who have experienced trauma. Students will learn about the ethical and legal aspects of child advocacy, the different types of trauma that children can experience, and the best practices for working with traumatized children.
• CAST Minor Requirements: The CAST minor requires 12 credits of coursework, including:
• CAST 1000: Introduction to Child Advocacy Studies (3 credits)
• CAST 2100: Communication in Child Advocacy (3 credits)
• CAST 2275: The Ethics, Values, and Policy of Child Advocacy (3 credits)
• CAST/PSYCH 3290: Traumatic Stress in Childhood and Adolescence (3 credits)
• Course Descriptions:
• CAST 1000: Introduction to Child Advocacy Studies: This course provides an overview of the field of child advocacy.
Students will learn about the history of child advocacy, the different types of child abuse and neglect, and the legal and ethical issues involved in working with children who have experienced trauma.
• CAST 2100: Communication in Child Advocacy: This course focuses on the communication skills that are essential for effective child advocacy.
Students will learn how to communicate with children who have experienced trauma, how to build rapport with families, and how to advocate for the needs of children in a variety of settings.
• CAST 2275: The Ethics, Values, and Policy of Child Advocacy: This course examines the ethical and legal issues involved in working with children who have experienced trauma.
Students will learn about the different ethical principles that guide child advocacy work, the legal framework for child protection, and the policy issues that affect the lives of children who have experienced trauma.
• CAST/PSYCH 3290: Traumatic Stress in Childhood and Adolescence: This course provides an overview of the different types of trauma that children can experience and the impact of trauma on children's development.
Students will learn about the symptoms of traumatic stress, the different treatment approaches that are available, and the best practices for working with children who have experienced trauma.

Careers:

• Child Advocacy Studies Minor Career Opportunities: The CAST minor can prepare students for a variety of careers in the field of child advocacy.
Graduates may work in child welfare, mental health, education, law enforcement, or other settings where they will be working with children who have experienced trauma.